Other than the United States, the United Nations has more troops deployed around the world than anybody else. In fact, these troops are spread out in more than a dozen conflicts. And the demand continues to grow at an astounding rate. But is the U.N. up to the task?

The UN grew out of World War II with the idea of being a forum for peace, a forum where all the nations of the world could come together. To find a way to avoid a repeat of the bloodletting of two world wars. But after the Cold War and 9/11, with both success and scandal along the way, is this organization a rallying point or an anachronism?

As a journalist, I have traveled to war zones around the world and I have seen UN officials up close. However, I wanted to better understand this organization, for better and for worse. So I went directly to those who would know, supporters, and critics alike.

I spoke with senior officials like Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush and current Executive Director of UNICEF, Ann Veneman and current Presentident of the UN Association, William Luers. But that wasn’t enough. I needed to understand not just the American view but the world view. So I took it a step further. I spoke with current and former UN officials from Britain, France, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. I even took the conversation to the White House. I finally rounded out the conversation by speaking with UN correspondents from Fox News Channel, NBC, and CBS.

But in the end, there was still one voice missing. I ultimately found it in a young man from Ethiopia.

After 9/11, we all understand that the world is a much smaller place; and that all sides seem to acknowledge the need for a world body that provides a proper forum to bring stability and peace to the world… But is the UN that body?

Join me as I take you inside as we look at:

The United Nations – Challenges in the 21st Century

Original music by Cassandra E. Mulcahy, MT-BC

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