ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that the UN still has important roles to play in the advancement of peace, justice, development and human rights, notwithstanding the turbulent times the world is passing through and the sharpening competition among the great powers. To be able to play a role, the UN must be disciplined in its diplomacy and be prudent in its choice of projects. It should “lecture” the world less and strive to promote consensus and cooperation to the extent possible. It should strive to promote preventive diplomacy to the extent feasible. It should do its utmost to provide humanitarian assistance, rallying public support as much as possible. It should seek to play a part in alleviating the plight of the poorest and it should carefully marshal human rights diplomacy to work with countries in the enhancement of their national human rights protection systems, building on the positive diplomacy practiced in the Universal Periodic Review process of the Human Rights Council. It would be prudent for the membership, especially the Permanent Members of the Security Council, to strive for the selection of a wise Secretary-General rather than a hectoring one.
