Jeffrey Sachs proposes UN reform via China-India cooperation to stabilize global multipolarity
Original framing: “China, India and why Jeffrey Sachs says the US needs to make the UN great again” — South China Morning Post
The UN’s structure was shaped by post-WWII victor powers with little input from the Global South. Historical parallels can be drawn to the League of Nations, which also failed to adapt to changing power dynamics. Reform efforts must learn from these precedents to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Jeffrey Sachs’ proposal reflects a growing recognition that the current UN structure is ill-suited to address 21st-century global challenges.
By advocating for India’s inclusion and emphasizing multipolarity, he aligns with broader calls from the Global South for institutional reform. However, the process must be inclusive, drawing on indigenous and non-Western models of governance, as well as scientific and historical insights. A reformed UN could better manage global crises and reflect the realities of a multipolar world, but only if it actively incorporates the voices of marginalized nations and communities. The path forward requires not just political will but a reimagining of global governance rooted in systemic balance and shared responsibility.