UN's Guterres launches UN80 initiative for organizational reform

In a recent address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the pressing challenges facing the world today, asserting that the UN's role has never been more critical.

He stated, “Our world is facing challenges on every front,” and noted the organization's essential function as a meeting ground for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

Guterres expressed concern about the ongoing liquidity crisis within the UN, which has persisted for over seven years due to delayed and incomplete payments from member states. He underscored the urgency of reform, stating, “The more the UN does together to address big challenges around the world, the less the burden on individual countries to do it alone.”

As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, Guterres announced the launch of the UN80 Initiative, aimed at enhancing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. He appointed a dedicated internal task force led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder, which will focus on identifying improvements in operations, reviewing mandates from member states, and considering structural changes within the UN system.

“Our objective is to present to member states proposals that ensure value for money while advancing shared values,” he stated, emphasizing that the UN's budget is not merely numbers but a matter of life and death for millions around the globe.

Guterres also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, welcoming Ukraine’s agreement in principle to a proposed 30-day ceasefire and expressing hope that it would lead to a just and lasting peace based on international law and UN resolutions.

In response to questions regarding the growing global trade war, he reiterated the interconnectedness of the global economy and warned that trade conflicts could have detrimental effects for all countries involved.

Regarding the recent cuts in humanitarian aid and development cooperation, Guterres acknowledged the challenges faced by UN agencies but highlighted their resilience and adaptability in response to changing circumstances. He emphasized, however, that these cuts ultimately harm vulnerable populations who depend on assistance for survival.

When questioned about member states that fail to meet their financial obligations, Guterres was clear: “Pay in full and pay on time.”