On October 27, Kerstin Leitner gave a talk at PRIF on how the United Nations (UN) and its Charter can regain political influence as an instrument of international politics—at a time when its central prohibition on the use of force is being openly disregarded. The event was organized by the Research Group United Nations Peacekeeping and Conflict Management (UNPAC).
Making the Most of the UN Charter
Kerstin Leitner spent nearly three decades working within the UN system, serving with the UNDP and the WHO at various locations in Africa, China, New York, and Geneva. Drawing on this experience, she discussed how the role of the UN in international politics can be strengthened again. Leitner gave her assessment of the current positions of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council toward the UN and emphasized that all member states should make full use of the instruments of the UN Charter to the best of their ability. Against this background, she discussed requirements for a (German) foreign policy that is truly grounded in the principles of the Charter. Furthermore, she discussed ways to activate the mechanisms available under the UN Charter, and the upcoming election of a new UN Secretary-General in December 2026.
Following her presentation, she exchanged views with researchers at PRIF on their perspectives regarding the UN.