Sri Lanka, Oct. 26 -- The United Nations is 80. It is easy to count its failures and criticise its imperfections. But in a fractured world plagued by war, pandemics, climate shocks and technological disruption, there is no substitute for a universal forum that sets rules, mobilises resources, and keeps quarrelling States talking. The UN is imperfect, but it is also indispensable.

The UN celebrates its 80th anniversary at one of the most chaotic periods since WW2. There are wars in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Humanitarian budgets are threadbare as some Governments withhold contributions or slash aid. Geopolitical rivalry between the west and China/Russia has paralysed the Security Council. And yet, a...