After more than seven decades, the United Nations embodies humanity's hopes for peace, security, social justice, human rights, equality for women, and a voice for all. At the same time, it's where the conflicts and tensions amongst the governments and peoples of the world are often expressed.

Douglas Roche -- who has spent his lifetime in the cause of peace as a Canadian member of parliament, ambassador, and senator -- offers a brief account of the UN's role in the world today. He focuses on the most important issues: the use of military force in conflicts, the challenges of global warming and climate change, deep disparities between rich and poor, and the ongoing battle for equal human rights for all.

He describes the wide range of activities of the United Nations in these areas. He acknowledges the organization's failures and weaknesses, while pointing out its many successes -- some little known to the world's citizens.

Roche documents how the UN is working to address key issues that threaten humanity's future, using its unique position in the world to promote the ideals that gave it birth. Though its success is far from assured, he sees the UN as humanity's best hope for the future.

This book offers insight into an organization whose work is often decried by critics, often ignored by political leaders, and often invisible to the world's public.

DOUGALS ROCHE was elected to Canadian Parliament four times, serving from 1972 to 1984 and specializing in the subjects of development and disarmament. He holds six honorary doctorates. Canada's Ambassador for Disramament from 1984 to 1989, he was elected Chairman of the United Nations Disarmament Committee, the main UN body dealing with political and security issues, at the 43rd General Assembly in 1988.

He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1988. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, former Chairman of Canadian Pugwash and Chairman of the Middle Powers Initiative, a network of eight international non-governmental organizations specializing in nuclear disarmament. In 1995, he received the United Nations Association's Medal of Honour and the Papal Medal for his service on disarmament and security matters. In 2000, he received the Pomerance Award for work at the United Nations on nuclear disarmament.

Roche is the author of seventeen books, including The Human Right to Peace (Novalis, 2003), Global Conscience (Novalis, 2007), and Creative Dissent (Novalis, 2008).

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