UN Still Relevant Despite Deficiencies – Gambari

Former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has said despite criticisms and structural deficiencies, the United Nations remains central to global peace and diplomacy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Inside Sources’, Gambari said politics must be understood within the broader configuration of global power, noting that no member-state has ever withdrawn from the UN, a testament to its enduring relevance.

“Politics is not aligned with the reality of the power configuration of the world. I am suggesting we must accept the UN in the context of power politics and the geopolitical situation of the world,” he said, “Given that no member of the UN has ever resigned, if there was a general dissatisfaction, then you would see countries moving away. However, the very fact that we have BRICS, G7, G20, G8 is also suggesting that countries are finding ways to augment the deficiencies of not just the United Nations but of the international environment.”

Gambari, who served as chief of staff to former president Muhammadu Buhari between 2020 and 2023, also reflected on the often-overlooked role of peacekeeping missions, stressing that their true success is not always visible.