As major powers act unilaterally, experts say UN faces crisis in New York

The United Nations is facing an existential crisis characterized by funding shortages, declining relevance, and gridlock within the Security Council. Experts note that major powers are increasingly acting unilaterally, undermining the institution's ability to address global conflicts like those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan.
Why it matters
The erosion of the UN's authority signals a shift toward a more fragmented global order where international diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms are becoming increasingly ineffective.
Experts warn the UN faces crises of funding, relevance, and Security Council gridlock.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, September 22, 2026 [Yuki Iwamura/AP] By Umar Farooq Published On 23 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), experts say the institution is battling an existential crisis of funding, relevance and Security Council gridlock.
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