As the United Nations General Assembly marks its 80th anniversary, it faces unprecedented challenges that demand urgent action and a rethinking of its role in global governance. This year’s assembly, which centers on themes of development, human rights, and peace, unfolds against a backdrop of escalating conflicts, climate disasters, and a disheartening trend of funding cuts and political disengagement from member states.
The UN was founded with aspirations of fostering international cooperation and upholding human rights, yet today it finds itself in a perilous state. Wars rage across continents, climate goals slip further from reach, and the very institution meant to address these crises is experiencing a severe depletion of resources. Recent findings by a UN Commission have highlighted Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal, while the situation in Ukraine remains volatile as Russia’s aggression threatens broader conflict in Europe. Additionally, ongoing strife in Myanmar and Sudan perpetuates a cycle of violence that seems to contradict the UN’s foundational mission.
The current funding crisis is largely fueled by the abandonment of multilateralism, particularly under the previous U.S. administration, which prioritized unilateral, transactional approaches over collaborative efforts. This shift has resulted in significant cuts to donor funding, adversely impacting both the UN and civil society organizations that depend on these resources. The U.S. has also distanced itself from the Sustainable Development Goals, critical frameworks established in 2015 to tackle global inequalities, which are now gravely off course.
In light of these multiple crises, the UN’s capacity to fulfill its mandate is under severe strain. As state leaders convene to discuss the UN80 initiative—a supposed reform effort aimed at revitalizing the organization—many fear it is primarily a cost-cutting measure rather than a genuine attempt at meaningful reform. The reduction of donor aid, not only from the U.S. but also from other Western nations like France, Germany, and the UK, often in favor of military expenditure, has left the UN struggling to meet its obligations.
Mandatory contributions from member states are in decline, with the U.S. leading the debt at approximately $1.5 billion, followed closely by China at nearly $600 million. This financial shortfall has particularly impacted human rights initiatives, which are often the first to face cuts during budget constraints. UN human rights chief Volker Türk has pointed out that 18 activities mandated by the Human Rights Council have been shelved due to lack of funding, leaving critical investigations in Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine unable to operate effectively.
Looking ahead, the UN is bracing for a potential 20 percent budget cut in 2026, which could result in the loss of around 7,000 jobs from its current workforce of 35,000. This downsizing is expected to merge agencies and relocate functions to less expensive regions, a move that could provide some efficiencies but also risks diminishing the organization’s overall effectiveness at a time when global challenges are more acute than ever.
While some view the UN’s bureaucratic structure as in need of reform, the proposed cuts threaten to diminish its ability to uphold international human rights standards. Civil society, often marginalized in discussions about the UN’s future, must be integrated into this conversation. The voices of grassroots organizations and activists are crucial for shaping a UN that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the global populace.
Currently, civil society groups already face significant barriers to access UN processes. During high-level meetings, even accredited organizations find themselves excluded from discussions that directly impact their work. Previous reform initiatives have failed to fully address these inequities, and proposals such as the creation of a civil society envoy—a simple yet effective means of enhancing participation—have largely been ignored.
The trend of reducing civil society’s access to UN processes is alarming. The Human Rights Council’s decision to shorten its sessions further restricts opportunities for civil society engagement, disproportionately affecting human rights work, which is already underfunded. This shift towards a more state-centric model of governance not only undermines the UN’s effectiveness but also allows states that violate human rights to evade scrutiny.
For the UN to remain relevant and effective in addressing the world’s pressing issues, it must actively include civil society in its decision-making processes. Empowering these voices is not just beneficial; it is essential to fulfill the UN’s foundational promise to represent “we the peoples.”
As the UN reflects on its past and charts a course for the future, it must embrace an inclusive approach that prioritizes the input of civil society. This is not merely a matter of policy but a critical step towards renewing the UN’s commitment to peace, justice, and human rights on a global scale. Only then can it hope to navigate the complex landscape of today’s world and truly serve the needs of all people.
