Is the UN a good communicator?

I emerged from my horrible cold on Saturday to hold a Q&A session for my colleague Toni Muzi’s students at New York University.

And I got a very interesting question.

I am always puzzled whenever someone asks me about the communication practices of multilaterals. I have worked in the convoluted world of international institutions. I still do work for some of them. And the truth is… I enjoy it.

How can it be?

The process is often lengthy and the outcome less than certain. You are confronted with mammoth challenges like changing the image of an unpopular minority in a country torn apart by centuries-old hatred.

You are working against ingrained attitudes and formidable enemies. But you have to start somewhere. It is the historic potential of the outcomes that fascinates me.

I know the work of international institutions is consensus-driven… with all the problems it entails. I know the result is often not ideal.

But having nations taking to each other is far better than the lack of communication.

Anything is better than latent conflict.