This is a challenging moment for us as a human family on planet Earth—and a consequential one for the United Nations. Across the globe, we witness conflict on an alarming scale: dozens of civil wars, ethnic violence, militant movements seeking power and control, and the resulting suffering of millions of innocent civilians, especially children.
Our daily news draws attention to the war in Ukraine, humanitarian catastrophes in Gaza and Sudan, and the seemingly unending lives of families in refugee camps—among them the million Rohingya stranded between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Food, shelter, education and credible paths toward resolution remain in dangerously short supply.
The United Nations, born in the aftermath of World War II, was shaped by the realities of national sovereignty. Though its membership now includes 193 nation-states, the founders—by necessity—compromised in the Charter, leaving no effective mechanisms to enforce the vision of a stable and just world.
That reform has yet to arrive. While the UN’s humanitarian achievements are extraordinary and rightly honored, deep divisions continue to limit decisive action. Diplomacy—the patient art of managing international affairs—often feels in short supply. And yet, I remain hopeful. Where else can we turn? I continue to believe in ingenuity, innovation and the creative human spirit.
For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer in leadership with the United Nations Association—locally, nationally and internationally. These have been true “bonus years.”
When a long time resident of Kent, Lisl Standen, a retired UN health official, following a Sherman Chamber Ensemble performance, handed me a simple brochure and suggested membership, I could not have imagined the richness that would follow: friendships formed, ideas shared, and countless encounters with people of goodwill committed to advancing human dignity and mutual respect.
As of Jan. 1, Dave Roberts assumed the role of president of the Connecticut United Nations Association. A former chair of the Connecticut Lions Council of Governors, he brings creativity, energy, strong collaborative skills and a deep commitment to a responsive and effective United Nations, while strengthening support for the UN here in Connecticut and across the country.
I plan to use my energies to support our United Nations scholarships, available to all Connecticut high school residents. The goals of the scholarship are to encourage and support students with a demonstrated interest in promoting world peace through work in international relations and diplomatic service … and to cultivate an understanding of and support for the work of the UN in the United States.
May 2026 be a year of health and peace. May we, as one human family, continue to nourish one another in the ways of peace, dignity, compassion, and hope.
Joseph J. Baxer
Kent
Kent resident Joseph Baxer retiring president of the Connecticut chapter of the United Nations Association (UNA-USA), has also been the U.S. representative to the United Nations for the London-based Strategies for Peace, and was formerly executive director of the Intercultural Institute of Connecticut. He is an ordained priest with the American Catholic Church and holds doctorates in theology and psychology, along with advanced degrees in philosophy and sociology from major universities here and abroad.