KT edit: United Nations — Diamonds are forever

It is no light commitment to preserve peace, lead the way out of this sad and dismal viral forest, and make a difference

On its diamond anniversary, the United Nations has its flaws like the precious stone but it still is all we have to shore up that promise of multilateralism and togetherness which marked its creation in 1945 in San Francisco. Founded on the rubble of World War II it has survived a hard three-quarters of a century and managed a string of victories in keeping the peace. And on a slide rule promoting health, wildlife protection, food and agriculture, and the security and safety of children.
Wounded grievously by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, never has the world looked to the UN for guidance and relief as it does now. Burdened by a very heavy sense of responsibility it reiterates its mission in bringing nations and people together, building bridges over troubled waters, and placing human rights on the front burner.
The celebration may well be muted by circumstance but the agenda has to move on and sustenance sought not in the defeats but in the successes that make the milestones on this journey so far. It is no light commitment to preserve peace, lead the way out of this sad and dismal viral forest, and make a difference. The leaders of the world come together on the global stage to debate 'the future we want, the UN we need' a subject so valid that it goes way beyond the rhetorical. Even as one wishes the blue berets well, for the future the priorities are clear: food, water, and health. The rights of everyone. Freedom and dignity. And a soft landing for the dove of peace.