DHAKA : The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU), in collaboration with the H&H (Hussain & Hussain) Foundation and the United Nations Association (UNA), Luton Branch (UK), organized a seminar titled “United Nations Day: Critical Review and Evaluation of UN Reform” on Thursday, at the Syndicate Hall, NSU, to mark United Nations Day 2025, a press release said.
The event brought together diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and students to deliberate on UN reform, focusing on ensuring greater accountability in the use of veto power by the five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council.
The program began with welcome remarks by Syedul Islam, Joint Secretary General of the H&H Foundation, and reflections on the United Nations’ mission and its global role in promoting peace, cooperation, and development.
Dr. David Cheesman, Secretary of UNA–Luton (UK), delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of reforming the UN system, particularly the veto mechanism, to restore trust in international governance. He emphasised the responsibility of major powers to collaborate and underscored Bangladesh’s potential as a neutral country capable of contributing constructively to global initiatives.
Brig. Gen. (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hussain, PhD, Adviser, Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, served as Chief Guest. In his remarks, he noted the UN’s challenges in responding to global conflicts and stressed the importance of neutral countries playing a constructive role. He highlighted Bangladesh’s capacity and urged the nation to raise its voice in international forums actively.
Dr. Nazia Khanum OBE, Chair of UNA–Luton (UK), drew parallels between the multicultural environment of Luton and Bangladesh, noting the importance of youth engagement in representing global diversity. She reflected on the UN’s developmental achievements, emphasising the need for Security Council reform.
Dr. Saima Khan, Country Director, UNAIDS Bangladesh, underscored the UN’s role in advancing public health, human rights, and sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and critical support to governments.
Professor Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), discussed the impact of veto power on the UN’s peacekeeping effectiveness.
Dr. Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Professor of Political Science & Sociology, NSU, highlighted the need for frank, open discussions on UN reform while recognizing the organization’s achievements in peace and development.
Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, praised the UN’s work in education, vaccination, cultural preservation, and refugee support, stressing the importance of continued global collaboration.
Ambassador Md. Sufiur Rahman, Senior Research Fellow, SIPG, highlighted the UN’s role in establishing global norms, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and promoting incremental reform while cautioning against radical changes that could destabilise the system.
The seminar was moderated by Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, PhD, Director, SIPG, NSU, with closing remarks by Professor Haque and a vote of thanks from Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), NSU.
At the program’s conclusion, UNA–Luton (UK) presented awards to volunteer organisations in Bangladesh for their contributions to social development and SDG promotion. The recipients included Dakbax Foundation, H&H Foundation, Public Speaking Foundation, and Pran–RFL Group.
The seminar was attended by senior academics, diplomats, members of civil society, and media representatives, who lauded the event as a timely platform for reflection on the future of global governance and the reform of the United Nations.
