ABSTRACT
In a world still groping for some kind of "new order", the United Nations is increasingly becoming the focal point in the search for new approaches to world problems. The phrase "new world order" introduced by President Bush in the aftermath of the 1990–91 Gulf War has created much confusion, and also distrust. The Gulf crisis led to an unprecedented series of important decisions by the Security Council. The "cabinet of executive heads" could draft memoranda and possible action proposals for an Economic Security Council, ensuring an integrated approach. The leadership of the UN in humanitarian activities in the Gulf conflict was not disputed. The present set-up of the UN and its Specialized Agencies is not well equipped to deal with many existing and emerging issues and problems. On the subject of finance for urgent environmental and development needs one must note the failure of UN Conference on Environment and Development to come through with anything new.
