When world leaders gathered in New York for the UN's 80th high-level week, UNGA80, UN reform and the Palestinian issue were in focus, while President Trump took the opportunity to show his distrust of the organization. In retrospect, experts say that both gender equality and reality-based reform of the humanitarian systems have been sidelined.
This year's high-level week took place in the midst of a funding crisis. Not least, the cuts from the United States, the UN's largest financier, have had major consequences for the organization. With only 19 percent of the requested funds covered, the so-called the secretary-general António Guterres situation "a death sentence for many".
US President Donald Trump Distrust of the UN system was reflected in his speech. Organisations was accused of being ineffective and “not even close to living up to its potential.” In his opinion, the United States had ended seven wars “without help from the organization”.
“The entire globalist concept must be completely and totally rejected,” he explained.
Despite its criticism, Trump, during a later meeting with Secretary-General Guterres, said that the US “stands behind the UN 100 percent".
Global South demands redistribution of power
In contrast to Trump's isolationist line, several African countries leaders have delivered a unified message about the need for meaningful reform to guarantee justice, equality and representation, according to A news.
Countries in the global South see the UN funding crisis as an opportunity to reshape the system of global governance to better serve the majority of the world's population, says Alanna O'Malley, professor of global governance and prosperity at Erasmus University Rotterdam, in a comment to Al Jazeera.
Several African leaders reiterated the three-decade-long demand for a permanent, veto-wielding seat for the continent on the UN Security Council.
– The UN cannot be truly international […] until our continent is given an equal voice, said the President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko which meant the continent is treated with pleasant indifference and demanded real influence for the continent in UN decisions.
Also Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso emphasized that the current composition of the Council no longer reflects today's geopolitical reality, reports Al JazeeraAccording to AP News called Malaysia calls reform an “absolute requirement” to free the council from its “humiliating paralysis.”
Gender equality was conspicuous by its absence
The Think Tank ODI Global, which conducts research and advice on international development and humanitarian issues, warns that gender equality is slipping down on the agenda. That's according to female delegates who ODI's head of gender equality and social inclusion, Caroline Harper, spoke to. At the same time, the US is choosing to undermine support for women's human rights, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people, she writes.
– Of the 17 global sustainability goals, gender equality (SDG 5) has made the least progress, says Harper. – Gender equality is central to the fight for justice, but funding streams for women's rights are shrinking.
In a contribution to the debate on UN reform that characterized the meeting, Freddie Carver, head of the think tank's Humanitarian Policy Group, highlighted the need for reform of humanitarian work. He noted that while the idea of local leadership is well-known, the international system has failed to promote it.
Change is already happening on the ground, led by local actors such as NGOs and local businesses, and the international system must focus on supporting what is already happening instead of getting stuck in “old bleak conversations” about the same conventional methods, he says.
Reactions to the war in Gaza colored the meeting
When the time came for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the General Assembly several UN members left the room in protest.
Palestinian representatives were in turn allowed to participate virtually after having denied entry visa by the United States. The decision met criticism from several European countries, including France and Spain. UN experts have pointed out that this is contrary to the host country agreement for the UN headquarters.
The growing international trend to recognize Palestine as a state also gained new momentum during the UNGA. When the percentage of UN member states that recognized Palestine grew to 81 percent, 157 out of a total of 193 member states. Including France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
As the only European permanent member of the Security Council, France's decision to recognize Palestine was particularly significant, says Alanna O'Malley, Professor of Global Governance and Prosperity at Erasmus University Rotterdam, in a comment to Al Jazeera.
Palestine currently holds official observer status at the UN. They can participate in debates and initiatives, but do not have voting rights. When the UN Security Council last voted on full UN membership for Palestine in April 2024, it was blocked when the United States used its veto power.
Is there something in the text that is not correct? Contact us at opinion@fuf.se
