The challenges of adopting and adapting the New Global Human Order to address global problems

By S. R. Insanally, former Minister of Foreign Affairs

The purpose of the New Global Human Order (Resolution A/RES/62/213 adopted by acclamation at the United Nations 79th General Assembly, 7 March 2008) was fundamentally to address the political, social and economic issues which have long challenged its membership. The subsequent design and adoption of Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were expected to assist the Membership to effectively chart a course for the operationalization of the Global Human Order Project, in full awareness of the complexity and difficulty of the undertaking.  These included:  i) the great diversity of member states, each with differing ideas of how good global governance might be best achieved; ii) the obvious reluctance of the big powers to relinquish their dominance in global affairs; iii) the disparity in the negotiating strength of the parties (the developed versus the developing world); iv) the deep suspicion and distrust which divided the parties, even on common issues; v) the ideological differences which motivated the parties; and vi) the fear that if we tamper with the text of the Charter, it will all come apart.