Philemon Yang, the president of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), recently shared his thoughts on how the UN Charter keeps the world running smoothly. In a chat with Xinhua news agency, he explained that this key document, born right after World War II, has shaped the global order and plays a huge role in maintaining peace and security even today.
Yang pointed out that the UN Charter came into being amid the massive destruction of the war. Adopted in 1945 in San Francisco, California, it was signed by representatives from 50 nations. Their main goal? To stop future generations from facing the horrors of war. “It was a strong promise to create a new system based on teamwork, respect for each other’s sovereignty, and basic human dignity,” Yang said.
Over the last 80 years, the principles of the UN Charter have guided international relations in big ways. They’ve helped prevent another world war, pushed forward decolonization efforts, cut down global poverty, and created spaces to tackle common problems like climate change and conflicts. As Yang put it, “The Charter lets the United Nations act as a place for talks and a protector of peace during tough times.”
Sure, the UN isn’t flawless, but Yang believes its real strength is in promoting diplomacy instead of fights and pushing for group efforts toward a fairer, safer world. He urged everyone to keep alive the “spirit of San Francisco” that inspired the UN Charter. This spirit, he said, encourages bold steps in cooperation to benefit people for years to come.
With ongoing global crises, Yang’s words remind us why the UN Charter remains a cornerstone of international cooperation and global peace.
