The United Nations, as it approaches its 80th anniversary, is set to undergo a significant transformation, announced by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday. This initiative aims to update the 193-member organization to better address severe funding declines and tackle global challenges. Guterres emphasized that this move is independent of the U.S. government’s recent budget cuts under President Trump and Elon Musk, intended to increase U.S. efficiency. Instead, he described the UN80 Initiative as a continuation and enhancement of longstanding reform efforts.
The initiative is designed to equip member states with proposals for improving U.N. operations, evaluating the increasing mandates from the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly, and making necessary structural changes to enhance efficiency. Despite efforts by past and current leaders to modernize the United Nations, it remains bound by the diverse perspectives of its 193 member nations. Established post-World War II, the U.N. faces ongoing challenges adapting to contemporary technological advancements and global tensions.
Critics have highlighted the U.N.’s shortcomings in maintaining international peace, citing conflicts in places like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Congo as examples of its struggles. However, its crucial humanitarian efforts and refugee support services continue to have a significant impact. Notably, President Trump had previously ordered a review of U.N. agencies, stating the organization’s potential remains unrealized unless substantial reforms are undertaken.
Guterres noted that the U.N. is navigating through a period fraught with uncertainty, coinciding with escalating conflicts, slow progress in poverty reduction, breaches of international law, human rights violations, and unchecked technological advancements. These issues, exacerbated by reduced funding for development and humanitarian initiatives, contribute to geopolitical tensions worldwide.
While Guterres refrained from singling out nations, he referenced the drastic funding cuts by the U.S. and the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Other nations, including the U.K., are also minimizing their contributions to humanitarian aid. Additionally, the U.N. has faced fiscal challenges over the past seven years, with delayed or unpaid contributions from several member states leading to a liquidity crisis.
The UN80 Initiative’s focus extends beyond reform, aiming to better serve global citizens reliant on the U.N.’s mission and the international taxpayers supporting its functions. This comprehensive reform will involve the U.N. Secretariat, its funds, agencies, and offices in Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna. Spearheading the initiative will be U.N. Undersecretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, who will lead a dedicated task force.
For 2025, the U.N. budget, adopted last December, stands at $3.72 billion, with the United States expected to contribute 22%, given its status as the world’s largest economy. China, the second-largest economy, will increase its share to 20%. Guterres is keen to implement reforms where feasible and encourage member states to assume responsibility for decision-making that resides with them.
