On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), this paper examines the contributions of the UN to the area of South Asia. The paper focuses on regional conditions in South Asia that affect the achievement or denial of basic needs essential for peacebuilding. These needs include equal opportunity, education, employment, food, health care, political freedom, security, shelter, and social welfare. The paper summarizes the leaders' hopes for their societies and for the United Nations. The paper also reviews the role of UN sponsored educational programs in South Asia in the quest for social equity and justice. Sections of the paper include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Basic Indicators of Development for South Asia"; (3) "South Asian Leaders Look at the United Nations and the Future"; and (4) "United Nations School Reform Efforts in South Asia." (Contains 58 references.) (EH)