University News Last updated 06 February
The United Nations (UN) needs to implement urgent reform so it has more power to hold governments to account in order to tackle growing threats to humanity, international law experts attending a conference at Birmingham City University (BCU) have warned.
Attracting speakers and panellists from around the world, the one-day event at BCU’s City Centre Campus gave staff and students the opportunity to delve deeper into the role of the UN, which works to maintain international peace and security around the globe.
Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, the Gambian High Commissioner and former Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, used her keynote speech to call for changes to the UN that would allow it to act more swiftly and decisively.
“The world has witnessed too many moments where the paralysis of decision-making has cost lives,” said Her Excellency, Dr Bensouda.
“Let us resolve to empower the UN to fulfil its mandate to protect the most vulnerable, whether through peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, or targeted sanctions against perpetrators of violence.
“The UN must champion global cooperation at a time when the forces of nationalism and polarisation threaten to divide us.
“The challenges of the 21st century - from pandemics to climate crises - do not respect national borders. Our survival depends on our ability to act collectively, not as rivals, but as partners.
“The UN must also embrace the potential of youth-led movements. Around the world, young people are leading the charge for climate action, social justice, and human rights.
“Their energy, innovation, and determination are reshaping the global landscape. The United Nations must create more platforms for young leaders to engage, contribute, and lead.
“The eradication of poverty, the preservation of our planet, and the promotion of equality are not distant aspirations but immediate imperatives.”
One of the event organisers, Professor Jon Yorke, Director of BCU’s Centre for Human Rights, said the conference was very timely.
“We are well aware of the significant danger of changing global temperatures, the worldwide spread of misinformation, the potential opportunities and threats of AI, and the significant strain that’s being placed upon the international legal order,” he said.
“BCU is already doing a lot to contribute to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and, in our next steps, we want to formalise our approaches to help maintain our environment and realise a just world in which everyone’s human dignity is respected.”
The conference - In Conversation with the Experts: The Future of the United Nations – featured a number of influential guests, including Dr Bensouda.
Two discussion panels addressed the permanent missions of the UN and its member states, as well as the role of civil society organisations.
“This was a unique opportunity for our students to interact with and hear from some key players who work on the world stage,” said co-organiser Dr Alice Storey, Senior Lecturer in Law at BCU.
“This conference has shown our students the work they do at the University’s Centre for Human Rights can have a real-world impact.
“It has also inspired them to use the University’s new UN student society to find solutions to local and global problems, whilst preparing them for future careers in law.”
The event also saw the launch of BCU’s first United Nations Student Society. The society aims to represent the UN’s core principles on and off campus, as well as inspiring students to learn about human rights and how they can promote them.
For more information on BCU’s Centre for Human Rights, visit the website.
Photo 1: Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Gambian High Commissioner
Photo 2: (L-R) Prof Jon Yorke, Nicoletta Zappile, Dr Alice Storey, Imri Schattner-Ornan, Barbara Fontana, Gianni Magazzeni, Francesca Restifo