In his final priorities address to the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the global order as operating in a state of escalating strain, defined by widening conflict, rising inequality, and a visible erosion of international law. He warned that multilateralism is being tested at a moment of peak necessity, as geopolitical fragmentation, unilateral use of force, and the concentration of wealth and technological power undermine collective problem-solving. Guterres reaffirmed UN engagement on AI governance, climate action, development finance, and humanitarian response, but stressed that legitimacy – rather than ambition – is now the core challenge facing global institutions.
A key pressure point is institutional sustainability. Guterres labeled the UN’s financial situation “totally unsustainable,” citing unpaid and delayed member-state contributions and signaling that existing budgetary rules may require overhaul to prevent systemic breakdown. Through the UN80 Initiative and proposed agency mergers, the Secretariat aims to deliver greater efficiency amid shrinking resources, while broader reforms – particularly of the Security Council and international financial institutions – are framed as unavoidable if global governance is to reflect shifting economic power. For diplomats, the address underscores a stark reality: without structural reform and renewed political commitment, the multilateral system risks managed decline rather than renewal.
Read the full address on the United Nations‘ website.