The United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year at a time when the world is facing rising conflicts, economic uncertainties and political division.
Yet, in this hard and complex world, the UN’s greatest strength remains its ability to promote dialogue, build consensus and inspire cooperation among nations, which is the enduring power of soft diplomacy.
When the UN Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, in the city of San Francisco at the conclusion of the International Nations Conference on international organisations and came into force on October 24 of the same year, the goal was not only to prevent another world war, but also to create a forum where nations could settle disputes through dialogue rather than force.
The UN’s foundation was built on influence, persuasion and shared values, not coercion. This idea, often called soft power, has remained central to the organisation’s success for the 80 decades of existence.
Through soft diplomacy, the UN has shaped global norms and advanced causes that have improved millions of lives. From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the organisation has used moral influence, partnership and persuasion to drive change.
Its specialised agencies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and UNESCO continue to prove that cooperation and dialogue, rather than confrontation, achieve more lasting results.
Ghana’s role, global example
Ghana has played a proud role in this history. From Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s call for African independence at the UN General Assembly, to the country’s long-standing contribution to peacekeeping operations, Ghana has shown and proven that even smaller states can exert great influence through diplomacy and moral leadership.
Ghanaian peacekeepers, envoys and diplomats continue to uphold the same ideals that inspired the ideological foundations of the UN which says that, partnership can achieve what power alone cannot.
Challenges in hard world
However, the world today tests that belief.
The return of great power rivalry, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Sahel, and the paralysis of the UN Security Council have raised serious questions about the future of global cooperation.
Trust in international institutions is fading, and nationalism is on the rise. Can the UN still make soft diplomacy work in such a hardened world?
Renewal, reform
The answer lies in reform and renewal. The UN must adapt to the realities of today’s multipolar world by ensuring that Africa and other regions of the Global South have a stronger voice in its decision-making structures.
A fairer and more inclusive system will restore confidence and strengthen the UN’s moral authority.
At the same time, the UN must use new tools of influence which include digital diplomacy, cultural exchange, education and youth engagement to bridge divides and promote global understanding.
The growing power of global citizen movements and cross-border collaboration have demonstrated that influence today is no longer limited to governments.
The UN’s convening power gives it a unique opportunity to harness these forces for peace and development.
Way forward
As the UN turns 80, it stands at a critical crossroads.
The choice is between relevance or decline, to command respect or to lose respect of member states.
To stay relevant, the UN must reaffirm its founding belief founded on the fact that persuasion, dialogue and cooperation are stronger than weapons and threats.
Soft diplomacy may not deliver instant victories, but it builds trust and understanding.
It turns conflict into cooperation and gives humanity a common purpose.
In a world hardened by divisions, the UN’s legacy reminds us that true power lies not in might, but in the ability to unite.
