Everyday Ethics UN at 80, China Christian Crackdown
Oct 19, 2025
Guest
Martin Palmer
Guest
Conor Bowman
Guest
Mark Devonport
Guest
Professor Catherine McNeely
Guest
Jane Kinnanmont
In this discussion, guests include Jane Kinnanmont, a UN expert, Professor Catherine McNeely, an international rights authority, Mark Devonport, a former BBC UN correspondent, Conor Bowman, a barrister and author, and Martin Palmer, a religious advisor. They explore the UN's relevance as it turns 80, highlighting crises linked to great power politics and suggesting a focus on peace and climate. Conor shares his personal journey about adoption, while Martin addresses China's crackdown on religious groups and the implications of state control on faith.
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UN’s Founding Purpose Remains Vital
- The UN was created to promote peace, development and human rights as a unique integrated framework.
- Professor Catherine McNeely argues it still offers a vital pillar despite contemporary political strains.
Great Powers Strain The UN
- Mark Devonport says the UN is under pressure from great powers ignoring the post‑war rules‑based order.
- He still believes an institution like the UN would be needed even if it didn't exist today.
Veto Power Limits UN Peacemaking
- Jane Kinnanmont highlights the Security Council veto as a central limit on UN action, especially in Gaza.
- The veto often leaves the UN able only to express international opinion, not enforce peace.
