Is the United Nations still fit for purpose?

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🗞️ Driving the news: As the United Nations marks its 80th General Assembly in New York, the institution faces mounting criticism over its relevance and efficacy in a fractured geopolitical landscape
• From inaction on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine to criticism of peacekeeping missions and budgetary crises, Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged that the UN is struggling to fulfill its mandate, stating, “We have no carrots and no sticks”

🔭 The context: Founded in the aftermath of World War II to maintain global peace and cooperation, the UN’s structure — particularly the Security Council’s five permanent members with veto power — reflects mid-20th century power dynamics
• However, geopolitical rifts among the US, China, and Russia have severely hampered the Council's ability to act on major conflicts
• Simultaneously, U.S. funding cuts and broader donor fatigue have led to financial retrenchment across UN programs

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: An ineffective UN weakens multilateral responses to climate change, public health, and humanitarian crises — all of which require coordinated global action
• Without structural reform, global South countries risk continued underrepresentation in decisions that directly affect them
• Meanwhile, critical climate initiatives like COP summits have come under scrutiny for their diminishing impact, calling into question the UN’s role as a convening force for sustainability efforts

⏭️ What's next: Reform discussions are intensifying, with calls to expand Security Council representation and reimagine funding structures
• While such changes face strong resistance from veto-wielding members, the next UN Secretary-General will likely face growing pressure to push forward an agenda of reform
• Key near-term challenges include securing financial support for core humanitarian agencies and restoring credibility in peacekeeping and climate negotiations

💬 One quote: "Few would suggest that the Security Council is functioning well right now... This has seriously dented the Council's — and by extension, the UN's — credibility." – Daniel Forti, International Crisis Group

📈 One stat: The UN’s core operating budget for 2025 is proposed to shrink by 15%, from $3.7 billion to $3.2 billion, amid broader funding gaps across its agencies.

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