In a stark reminder of its founding ideals, the United Nations marks 80 years since the adoption of its charter, yet the very principles designed to safeguard global peace are crumbling under the weight of contemporary conflicts. As world leaders convened in San Francisco post-World War II to forge this pivotal document, they envisioned a future free from tyranny and strife. Today, however, that vision is increasingly overshadowed by escalating violence and geopolitical tensions.

The UN is currently showcasing the original charter at its New York headquarters, a poignant symbol of its commitment to peace and security. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. From Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine to the U.S. military actions in Iran and Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza, blatant violations of the charter’s core tenets are rampant. These actions not only threaten international stability but also undermine the very foundation of multilateralism that the UN was built upon.

The charter, which bestowed significant power on five permanent Security Council members— the U.S., UK, France, Russia, and China— is being weaponized, particularly through the misuse of veto power. In just the past 20 months, the U.S. has blocked multiple ceasefire resolutions aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, effectively paralyzing the Security Council’s ability to act. This abuse of power has left nations scrambling to find alternative avenues for resolution, often outside the UN framework.

As we reflect on eight decades of the UN charter, the urgency to restore its principles has never been more critical. The world stands at a crossroads: we can either allow these violations to become normalized or we can rally to uphold the ideals that have, until now, maintained a fragile peace. The stakes have never been higher, and the call to action is clear. The future of global stability hangs in the balance.