Is the U.N. Failing or Evolving?

Photo via Reuters

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With rising global conflict and division, the United Nations (UN) faces growing skepticism. Yet, much of this criticism misunderstands its role. The UN is not the problem, but often rather the scapegoat. In this year’s General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, world leaders emphasized their commitment to the UN as global conditions exacerbate, reiterating the importance of this organization to the international community. Leaders understand the value of the UN and its broad efforts to promote peace, discuss innovative solutions, and address global issues, along with its specialized efforts such as through the work of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Yet, its impact is often dismissed by critics who treat its limitations as failures, rather than appreciating the strengths that make it essential. There are widespread debates questioning whether the UN is effective, and critics are arguing that it has become slow and is unable to resolve major crises. However, the UN’s ongoing reforms and global initiatives prove that it continues to adapt to challenges and maintain credibility through accountability and innovation. The United Nations remains an essential force in the international community because it continues to adapt to global challenges through cooperation, reform, and evolving initiatives.

Throughout its establishment, the United Nations has been a global resource supporting countries in various crises, such as famines, security challenges, and threats to sovereignty. From NATO’s provision of a field hospital to Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic to countries such as Bangladesh, Czechia, Denmark, and Egypt’s contributions of troops to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), a peacekeeping mission, countries of all sizes and backgrounds have stood by the UN and supported its efforts through financial, political, and diplomatic means. Additionally, during the General debate of the 80th Session, world leaders reaffirmed their belief that the UN remains essential in addressing today’s crises, despite growing global challenges. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan highlighted how cooperation with the UN has led to progress in countering terrorism in Central Asia. He explained that effective measures are being taken to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through the creation of a Regional Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, established in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. This council helps people returning from conflict zones reintegrate peacefully into society and share experiences with other countries. Additionally, during a bilateral meeting with the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, President Trump said, “Our country is behind the United Nations 100%….I may disagree with it sometimes but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great.” Although many leaders highlight shortcomings within the UN, they still underscore the importance of this platform, as well as the many benefits of the organization.

Most people tend to view the UN as a political stage for world leaders, but its true reach extends deep into everyday global affairs. The UN consists of a plethora of agencies and initiatives that are niche in focus and impactful in their work. Along with peacekeeping missions, specialized funds, and other resources, the UN has agencies that perform lesser-known operations that are critical to the wellbeing of the international community. For example, established in 1944, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency that has guided countries in developing a secure and efficient global aviation network that unites communities and drives sustainable economic growth. During ICAO’s 42nd Assembly this year, resource mobilization commitments were made by actors such as Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Airbus, Boeing, and many other countries. 

Another example is the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which oversees and regulates the exploration and use of mineral resources in international seabed areas to protect the marine environment and ensure that the benefits are shared fairly, particularly with developing countries. In 2019, the ISA established its DeepData database representing the most comprehensive public collection of environmental information on the deep seabed. As of May 2023, it had accumulated over 10 terabytes of data. The ICAO and ISA are just two of many examples of how the UN spearheads global change through political and technical leadership. Specialized agencies specifically tackle issues that seem miniscule, but overall contribute to supporting the complex world that we live in.

It is common knowledge that the world is constantly changing. In order to adapt to challenges such as climate change, new and evolving technologies, political instability, and financial shortfalls, the UN must receive support to adapt. However, there are many who call for this organization to be abolished, calling it useless. It is difficult to identify any human or political institution that operates flawlessly according to its mission statement. Governments around the world often struggle with inefficiency and misuse of resources, yet few would argue that they should therefore be abolished entirely. Similarly, while the United Nations (UN) faces criticism for its shortcomings, it is still an essential institution in maintaining international order and promoting peace. Admitting flaws and making reforms strengthens the United Nations, as reform shows how the UN can adapt to global challenges and keeps international cooperation alive in a divided world. The UN has spearheaded many initiatives to evolve to challenges, such as UN80 and its various components.

The UN80 initiative is a system-wide reform effort, launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in March 2025, and aims to allow the UN to respond to global issues while balancing financial challenges. Parts of this initiative include reforms for the 2026 budget, unifying payroll under a global team, relocating certain functions to lower-cost duty stations, and introducing additional system-wide measures in the future. Additionally, the UN aims to conduct a comprehensive review of resolutions and other documents to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication. These are a few of many different strategies that the UN is employing to ensure that their impact is strong, regardless of issues that they may face. Although arguments may arise, claiming that these reforms are only scratching the surface of the UN’s challenges, these reforms mark meaningful progress because they show the UN’s willingness to confront its weaknesses, improve transparency, and evolve to meet modern demands. As Robert Abela, The Prime Minister of Malta said, “The biggest threat to the future of our United Nations doesn’t come from those who want to tear it down …But it comes from those who say that in the face of that pressure, we should barricade ourselves in, and reject the idea of change and reforms”. Through UN80, the UN is strengthening its credibility through accountability, proving the argument that this organization has the ability to adapt and remain essential in a rapidly changing world.

In a world with increasing conflict, political tension, and economic uncertainty, the United Nations stands as a pillar of stability. Whether its use as a global forum for countries to convene regarding important issues, its employment of specialized agencies and missions to counter regional or domain-specific operations, or the multitude of other resources it provides, this organization serves an impactful and multifaceted purpose for the world. Although increasing criticism regarding the UN’s effectiveness has generated discourse regarding its relevance in tackling today’s crises, the United Nations proves that it remains an institution that learns from its shortcomings and adapts in a way that reflects the needs of modern day.

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This article was edited by Mariella Richards and Whitney Woodrow.