UN's next secretary general must rejuvenate this global forum

The United Nations General Assembly's final high-level debate of the year has concluded, with diplomats departing New York after a week of discussions and the presentation of varying perspectives on the international order. This UNGA is notable for its significance in marking the transition of leadership at an institution facing questions about its relevance in the current global context.

This marks the last UNGA under the leadership of Antonio Guterres, whose term as Secretary General will conclude at the end of the year. The new Secretary General will inherit an organization operating in a world vastly different from when Guterres initially assumed office in 2017. The international landscape has been shaped by conflicts, geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements, and increasing divergence among major powers.

As such, the primary challenge for the incoming Secretary General is to rejuvenate the UN to meet the demands of the world in 2027 and beyond. Evidence of this transition is already apparent. Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative in March, which is evaluating the organization's functioning with a focus on reducing redundancy and enhancing efficiency.

Additionally, the General Assembly recently adopted measures to improve the creation, execution, and evaluation of UN mandates. While these reforms are crucial, it is equally important to have a realistic perception of the UN's capabilities and limitations. The UN is not a world government, cannot resolve all conflicts, compel compliance from governments without Security Council approval, nor can it override the interests of powerful nations.

Setting such expectations could lead to the perpetual failure of the organization. However, with a spirit of cooperation, UN renewal is attainable. Despite its limitations, the UN's collective power and the influence of its Secretary General remain significant forces for positive and impactful statecraft. The Security Council has the authority to establish peacekeeping missions, issue binding resolutions, and impose non-military measures like sanctions, embargoes, travel bans, and financial restrictions.

UN agencies are at the forefront of tackling critical issues such as nuclear safety, human rights, refugees, humanitarian aid, and more. Given this capacity and moral authority, the UN bears the responsibility to fulfill the high ideals of its founding. This calls for the next Secretary General to guide the organization towards increased effectiveness and reinvigoration, making it more responsive and aligned with the realities of a transforming international system.