I am always confused about the structure "It is (about/high) time that..." - I've read that it represents the subjunctive mood, and should be followed by the past simple tense. For example

"....It is time the United Nations _took_ some measures."

I initially wrote "to take" in that part, because I thought it was referring to an action that is about to happen. 🥺🙏🏻

Question

I am always confused about the structure "It is (about/high) time that..." - I've read that it represents the subjunctive mood, and should be followed by the past simple tense. For example

"....It is time the United Nations _took_ some measures."

I initially wrote "to take" in that part,  because I thought it was referring to an action that is about to happen. 🥺🙏🏻

Answer

It is (high) time the UN took some measures. This suggests urgency. It is the speaker's opinion that these measures should be taken immediately, and even that they should have been taken sooner.

You may be confusing this with this simpler structure:
It is time FOR someone to do something.
e.g. It is time for me to go.
This is simply a statement of fact.

Answer

It could be “takes”. But I think this is an example of “distancing” so past tense is used. It is unlikely the UN will take measures.