Among the many insights gained through space exploration, one stands out as particularly significant for life on this planet. Seen from space, there are no physical borders between countries. The division of the world into nation states may be useful, but the boundaries themselves are arbitrary and created by human beings.

The division of the world into nation states is part of human history and originates from a pre-global age. It has practical aspects and fosters local identity and a sense of belonging. At the same time, it has always been a source of conflict, and it remains so today.

For this reason, the United Nations was founded to help prevent war and to promote international cooperation for peace and security. The UN makes great efforts to reach agreements between nations, create order, and provide relief wherever suffering exists. Its work is indispensable, and its purpose is noble. Yet the state of the world shows that it can fulfil its mission only to a limited extent.

Within the United Nations, government representatives defend the positions of their respective countries and advocate for their national interests and claims to sovereignty. Today, more clearly than ever, we can see the limitations of this structure. It lacks a perspective centred on the integrity of planetary life. It lacks a voice that represents the interests of humanity as a whole. And it lacks the democratic participation of global civil society.

The United Nations remains indispensable. Yet it needs the UPO as a complement and a partner.