COMMENT Next week was supposed to be the moment of decision for the most sweeping package of reforms of the United Nations organisation since its inception 60 years ago. At least 170 heads of state or government are coming to New York for a summit that should set its seal on an overhaul intended to drag the world's paramount peace-making body into the 21st century.
At the time of writing, any such outcome looks increasingly unlikely. If a package can be agreed, it will probably be much less ambitious than intended. At worst, it may amount to little more than a couple of pages of pious expectations, with all the substance squeezed out of them. There will be no action on enlarging the UN Security Council to make it more representative, and precious little on overhauling the UN human rights system, or agreeing new rules on humanitarian intervention. The mood at Turtle Bay is pessimistic as national delegations frantically negotiate to finalise a text before the weekend.
