Iran, Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan: We hear and read thousands of words daily about their bloody tumults. But when, in connection with any, do you hear mention of the United Nations as dove of peace? When I first visited New York in 1966, UN Plaza was a tourist “must,” to pay tribute to one of the world’s most important institutions.
Secretary-generals such as Dag Hammarskjoeld and U Thant were important figures on the world stage. By contrast, in 2026 the UN is about to choose a new chief, and you are unlikely to know a roster of candidates that includes Rafael Mariano Grossi and Rebeca Grynspan.
