By Omoniyi David
Global peace advocates and diplomats have renewed calls for urgent reforms at the United Nations to ensure a more democratic and inclusive global order.
The call came at the weekend during the launch of Towards Effective World Security, a new book by Nigerian international affairs analyst, Uchenna Nwankwo, held in Abuja.
Chairing the event, veteran columnist Owei Lakemfa warned that the world was heading toward instability due to growing global power imbalances.
In his keynote address titled Nigeria: Flying Blindly in the Global Space, he criticized the UN’s veto system for violating the principle of equal sovereignty.
“Just weeks ago, the world tilted toward a global conflagration,” Lakemfa said. “We are drifting toward a unipolar world where diplomacy is reduced to dogma.”
He also lamented Nigeria’s weakened diplomatic presence, saying the country is “like a bird flying with one wing” due to its failure to appoint ambassadors.
Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, represented by Northern Editor Soni Daniel, praised Nwankwo’s work for offering practical ideas to inspire world leaders.
“Without peace in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, even the big powers won’t sleep,” he said.
Author Uchenna Nwankwo traced his passion for global peace back to childhood and urged renewed unity.
“The UN is tottering and risks going the way of the League of Nations,” he said. “This book is about safeguarding nations through reform.”
Literary critic Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, in his review, endorsed Nwankwo’s call for a new World Assembly to replace the current UN General Assembly.
He proposed a representative system based on population, economic strength, and sovereign equality.
Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, described the book launch as timely, reaffirming his country’s support for UN reforms.
“The UN has delivered 75 years of general peace, but it must become more representative,” he noted.
The event drew diplomats, scholars, and journalists, all united in calling for a reimagined global system that prioritizes justice, equity, and shared security.
