Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose
This Is Why
Sky News
4.0 • 552 Ratings
🗓️ 4 May 2026
⏱️ 23 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
With conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations?
Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop?
Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Sky News, the full story first. |
| 0:11.6 | It was set up to end war. |
| 0:14.0 | Now, many are questioning whether the United Nations is still fit for that purpose. |
| 0:19.4 | And this is why. |
| 0:33.6 | You know what I love about Eurostar, being able to bring two suitcases and a hand luggage for free. |
| 0:36.0 | That's why I've packed my entire wardrobe. |
| 0:36.9 | Literally. I've got a thousand get back. That's about to hold packed my entire wardrobe. Literally. I've got to have all this. |
| 0:41.3 | I've heard of course. |
| 0:43.3 | So, I'm trying to me. |
| 0:44.6 | You're covering a little bit of a world to you. |
| 0:47.2 | You're in the store. |
| 0:48.3 | The other, they go to the father. |
| 0:52.6 | Most of the internet is, mass of its internet is, mass, fix, a strict question to all the psalversum.com. Thank you. I'm Sam Coates from Sky News. |
| 1:00.2 | And I'm Anne McHelvoy from Politico. |
| 1:02.4 | Downing Street drama, leadership battles and policy U-turns. |
| 1:05.8 | We're on it before it breaks. |
| 1:07.9 | We take you straight into the rooms where the real political conversations are happening. |
| 1:11.9 | Smart Insight, clear analysis, |
| 1:13.4 | in your feet by 7.45am, |
| 1:16.0 | so you start your morning fully brief |
| 1:18.2 | for the day ahead in British politics. |
| 1:19.9 | Hit follow and listen to politics at Sam and Ans |
... |
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