Marking 75 years of the UN: A commemoratory webinar

Date: 24-10-2020
Time 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Department of International Studies, Political Science and History, Christ (Deemed to be University) hosted the webinar ‘UN in 75 years: Contribution to World Peace’ to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. The event kickstarted with the welcome address by Dr Madhumati Deshpande, Coordinator, Department of International Studies, Political Science and History. Two keynote speeches were delivered by the dignitaries Ambassador TP Sreenivasan and Ambassador Dilip Sinha, who spoke at length on the role of the UN and its shortcomings followed by a fruitful Q&A session with the audience. 

Ambassador TP Sreenivasan in his enlightening talk began by highlighting the successes of the UN, but also pointed out the shortcomings in its effective functioning. Mr Sreenivasan spoke about India’s relations with the United Nations and its contribution to the efforts of the UN. He threw light upon the UN’s role in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and peace enforcement efforts in preventing conflict. Mr Sreenivasan opines that reform in the UN is necessary to suit the conditions of the 21st century; however, he believes that the possibility of any reform in the near future is impervious. He further spoke about the Prime Minister’s speech in the General Assembly which stressed the importance of multilateralism and expansion of the Security Council.

Ambassador Dilip Sinha made a captivating presentation on the impact of the UN on International Relations in its 75-year history. According to Mr Sinha, the UN has not only survived for the past 75 years but has prospered and proliferated.  It is due to the global role played by its organs and its agencies. Mr Sinha expounded that the history of the UN can be categorised into three phases: Cold war period, the period of western domination and the confrontation period with the rise of China. He further listed out the challenges that lay ahead for the effective functioning of the United Nations.  

Ms Fwu Hui Qi and Mr Sim Yu Kang, both students at Singapore University of Social Sciences extensively explained Singapore’s engagements with the UN. Mr Nishit Jogi and Ms Pratikshya Subedi, both students at Christ (Deemed to be University) highlighted Africa and Asia’s perspectives concerning the UN. Dr N. Koiremba Singh, the moderator for the session also threw light on the importance of the supranational power of the UN.

The event was lightened up with engaging dance and song performances by the students of M.A (International Studies). Sumedha K, Jeevitha GL and Lakshmi Karlekar, students of M.A (International Studies), hosted the session. The event came to a close with Dr Vagishwari SP delivering the concluding remarks followed by the vote of thanks.

Report compiled by
P. Aneetta Thomas
MA (International Studies)