Today, the world celebrates 80 years since the creation of the United Nations.
In the aftermath of World War II, the U.N. offered a promise of a more just and peaceful world where the human rights of all are protected, and conflicts between states are settled with diplomacy, not war.
Today, we celebrate that vision, and the progress we’ve made towards a world free of war and threat of war, with equity and justice for all.
Yet, today’s anniversary also highlights the work that’s needed. As scholar Matiangai Sirleaf reminds us, the U.N. has always been an imperfect institution. Powerful states have long been able to flout international accountability and maintain unjust global power dynamics.
The U.N.’s founding principles are facing increasing threats from nationalist governments around the world, including the United States.
The Trump administration has surged military spending, enabled a genocidal war on Palestinians, and carried out lawless military strikes in the Caribbean Sea in flagrant disregard of the U.N. charter and international human rights. At the same time, President Trump has taken a wrecking ball to U.S. diplomacy and international aid, slashing funding for the U.N. and withdrawing from major U.N. agencies.
In Nairobi, Kenya last week, FCNL’s Bridget Moix heard about the many challenges peacebuilders are facing amid U.S. aid cuts and declining international support for peace work as she joined this year’s Peace Connect gathering with over 500 peacebuilders from 82 countries.
Bridget also heard stories of “remarkable resilience” that local communities are demonstrating as they persist in their work for peace.
“I felt the solidarity of a global community of peacebuilders strengthening one another for the continuing struggles ahead,” Bridget said. “And I embraced the inspiration and hope we offered up to one another as we reaffirmed our belief and commitment that peace is possible.”
Eighty years after the founding of the U.N., the world is at a crossroads. Will we sink back deeper into a world of militarism, where might makes right? Or will we continue to make progress toward a more just and peaceful future for all?
Elsewhere
More Murder on the High Seas
The U.S. government is continuing to bomb boats near Latin America –extrajudicially murdering people. These strikes have geographically spread in the past week to the Pacific and are accelerating. Colombian President Gustavo Petro is accusing the U.S. of murdering a fisherman, and mysterious bodies are floating ashore in Trinidad. Some experts are concerned that the United States may use more military force to seek regime change in Venezuela as a U.S. aircraft carrier is sent to the Caribbean Sea.
President Trump has said that the U.S. will continue strikes on people it accuses of trafficking drugs without legal justification for the use of military force. “I don’t think we’re necessarily going to ask for a declaration of war,” he said, “I think we’re just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country.”
Coal on the Way Out
FCNL’s Paul Aversa shared some hopeful environmental news in Inside the Greenhouse this week: While the U.S. may be backsliding on clean energy, renewable sources such as wind and solar have now overtaken coal globally for the first time in history. Experts call this “a crucial turning point.”
Israel Must Allow Aid into Gaza
With the Gaza ceasefire tentatively holding, the need for aid to rebuild Gaza is urgent. The International Court of Justice just ruled that Israel is obligated to lift its restrictions and facilitate the work of UNRWA, the main U.N. aid agency serving Palestinians, in Gaza and the West Bank.
After over two years of war, famine, and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, the United States must ensure full humanitarian access to Gaza and restore funding for UNRWA. Urge your members of Congress to support the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to stop famine and ensure recovery in Gaza.
Annual Meeting Coming Up!
FCNL’s Annual Meeting 2025: Still Speaking Truth to Power is coming up in just 21 days! If you haven’t already registered, this is a great time for Friends and supporters of Quaker witness on Capitol Hill to discern together where we are called to this vital work. Learn more and register here!
