The Case for a Board of Peace and Sustainable Security
Context
The UN Security Council (UNSC) has failed to evolve even after 80 years, remaining reactive rather than preventive in dealing with global crises.
Former diplomat Nirupama Rao proposes establishing a “Board of Peace and Sustainable Security” to ensure sustained political engagement, conflict prevention, and transition diplomacy even after peacekeeping missions end.
Why the Existing System is Inadequate
Structural paralysis:
The UNSC’s decision-making is highly political, dominated by veto-wielding permanent members (P5).
This leads to deadlocks during major crises.
Peacekeeping limitations:
Peacekeeping missions are temporary and military-driven.
Once peacekeeping troops withdraw, political engagement collapses, leading to relapse of conflict.
Lack of institutional continuity:
No permanent mechanism exists for supervising agreements, managing transitions, or supporting long-term peacebuilding.
Proposed Board: Design & Functioning
Nature:
Will not challenge UNSC authority nor duplicate the UN Secretary-General’s powers under Article 99 of the UN Charter.
Approach:
Relies on political, preventive diplomacy, dialogue, and regional coordination, rather than coercion.
Structure:
Rotating membership representing all regions — Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas, etc.
Works continuously, not as an ad hoc response after ceasefires.
Mandate:
Aligns peace, governance, development, and regional cooperation to ensure sustainable security.
Functions as a bridge between peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
Significance
Addresses UN legitimacy crisis caused by gridlock and veto politics.
Shifts focus from event-driven military stabilisation to continuous political stabilisation.
Promotes institutionalised dialogue and long-term peace support beyond episodic interventions.
Reinforces the UN’s preventive diplomacy role and strengthens global governance architecture.
Relevant Prelims Points
UNSC Composition: 5 permanent + 10 non-permanent members (Article 23, UN Charter).
UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC): Established in 2005 to support post-conflict peace efforts.
Article 99 (UN Charter): Authorises the UN Secretary-General to bring any threat to international peace before the UNSC.
Peacekeeping vs Peacebuilding:
Peacekeeping = military stabilisation;
Peacebuilding = political and institutional reconstruction.
Relevant Mains Points
Issue: UN’s credibility and effectiveness undermined by P5 veto-based paralysis.
Reform Need: Shift from military-led short-term interventions to politically sustained peace processes.
