The United Nations General Assembly opened its eightieth session this week with global leaders gathering in New York. This morning, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the United Nations in an address to the body, and argued that the organization is “not living up to [its] potential.” He portrayed migration as a “challenge” for states, and criticized efforts to promote the “green economy,” while presenting himself as a peacemaker.
CFR experts Edward Alden, Esther Brimmer, Steven A. Cook, Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Liana Fix, Alice C. Hill, and Shannon O’Neil analyzed Trump’s speech in a virtual media briefing today. Here’s how they thought it could shape perceptions of global migration, climate change, human rights, Palestinian statehood, and reform of the UN.
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As the UN General Assembly convenes, one major topic of debate is an internal reform plan introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres earlier this year. Dubbed the UN80 Initiative, it aims to make the United Nations more agile and better equipped to respond to global challenges. But the plan has drawn scrutiny for proposals that include budget cuts and agency consolidations.
From the Council of Councils: Dive deeper in a discussion with fifteen global experts on UN reform, restructuring, and leadership. |
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The United Nation’s top leadership position has broad authority to steer the organization’s agenda, but its impact has varied widely since 1946. |
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The Trump administration has chosen to retreat from UN human rights standards and processes. That decision makes Americans less safe, write Adjunct Senior Fellow Catherine Powell, Beth Van Schaack, and Desirée Cormier Smith. |
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Palestinians have pursued statehood for more than a century. As the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues, several countries—including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom—have recognized Palestinian statehood, but many hurdles stand in the way of full independence.
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The UN Charter has steered the world through numerous crises in the past, writes Senior Fellow David J. Scheffer. A new and modern interpretation of the document will help leaders address the growing number of existential global challenges that they now face. |
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“Canadians understand the need to be masters in our own house,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at a CFR meeting yesterday. Carney said that his country would push to strengthen East-West trade, lower provincial barriers, and build economic resilience that withstands U.S. policy shifts.
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Many UN agencies, programs, and missions receive crucial funding from the United States. However, during his second term, Trump has signaled sharp cutbacks in some payments and involvement in the global body. |
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The United Nations hosts a highly-watched debate of world leaders every year. Its 2025 meeting has focused on climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear deterrence, and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. |
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For educators: the assembly can help explore complex issues with students, from climate to conflict, with real-time examples of how the world’s leaders are working with and against each other. |
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Since the end of World War II, the United Nations has served as the world’s leading international body dedicated to promoting peace, security, and cooperation. From conflict resolution to climate action, the institution has played an evolving role over the past eight decades in attempting to address global challenges.
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