As the New York Times has reported, on 9 September 2016, North Korea conducted its fifth underground nuclear test, despite threats of more sanctions from the United States and the United Nations. The latest test, according to South Korean officials, produced a more powerful explosive yield than the North’s previous detonations, indicating that the country was making progress in its efforts to build a functional nuclear warhead.
Why are sanctions not working?
Why isn’t the United Nations doing something about this?
What creative solutions can be found?
Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter explicitly provides for the creation of regional arrangements, including for the peaceful resolution of disputes. Since the Charter was promulgated, a multitude of regional bodies have been created across the world, both small and large – from the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe to the Pacific Islands Forum. Yet Northeast Asia remains the missing link. Perhaps one way of addressing the potential threat from North Korea is the establishment of a strong Northeast Asia collaborative institution?
These are the issues United Nations Under-Secretary-General Mr. Kim Won-soo, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, will address. You are cordially invited to join in this interactive session with him.