The central task, on which future generations depend, is to lay the foundation for a Global Village of social and economic justice, lasting peace, and a sustainable environment. The first priority in creating a Global Village is to end the war system. At least 100 million people were killed in wars during this century. According to recent U.N. figures, this includes 23 million people in the past 45 years. Moreover, the vast majority of victims were civilians.
Modern warfare is war on civilians.
Civilization cannot long endure the wanton and indiscriminate destruction of modern warfare, and neither can the environment. Ending the war system involves many factors, but fundamental is establishing the ability to settle disputes between nations and peoples through the framework of enforceable world law. Establishing world law is the ultimate role of a much strengthened and democratized United Nations. With its universal membership and acceptance by the world's people, and through its many agencies, including the World Court, the U.N. is the only viable entity capable of attaining this goal. Global Governance International law is fundamental to attaining Global Governance for the 21st century.