Copenhagen: ‘tis the season for UN reform

Nevertheless, change in the international system is not always as difficult to achieve as it may seem.

The recent and relatively simple shift in “executive” global decision making from the G8 to the G20 demonstrates this point. Indeed, the G20 has the potential to take the lead in global climate change negotiations until the UN can get its act together. The G20 has already earned its stripes in galvanising a response to the global recession.

The G20’s “Goldilocks” size - not too big like the UN General Assembly; and not too small like the subsumed G8 - covers all corners of the world with a balance of developed and developing countries. It also has a large representation from Asia and the Pacific which houses both the economic powerhouses and carbon emitting giants of China and India.

The G20 has qualities the UN Security Council has simply lost over time, including a loss in credibility and authority in the international system. More importantly, it sees the world beyond war and conflict.

For all of the “turning point” anecdotes we heard about Copenhagen, the world has ultimately uttered a collective sigh of disappointment. It will now be quickly consumed by thoughts of eggnog and reindeer as we head towards Christmas.

But in the dawn of the New Year, the world should remain equally committed to effective action on climate change as it is to a global economic recovery. And it should be willing to reform our institutions and challenge their responsibilities to arrive there.

If anything, Copenhagen should show us ‘tis the season for UN reform.