{
  "id": 9409991,
  "title": "The UN is facing a crisis of trust and possible bankruptcy. Its new leader will have an enormous challenge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/the-un-is-facing-a-crisis-of-trust-and-possible-bankruptcy-its-new",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:10:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/the-un-is-facing-a-crisis-of-trust-and-possible-bankruptcy-its-new-leader-will-have-an-enormous-challenge-290728"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Nations finds itself in a state of crisis, grappling with a loss of public trust and the potential threat of financial collapse. Antonio Guterres, the outgoing Secretary General, steps down in December after a decade in office. The search for his successor is set against a backdrop of escalating global tensions, faltering economies, and mounting social and military expenditures. The UN's funding situation is dire, with Guterres warning of the potential need to cut $500 million from its 2026 budget and reduce its workforce by 20%. The United States, in particular, has become a vocal critic of the UN, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the global order is now obsolete and being weaponized against them. Despite these challenges, the UN remains the only truly global organization, providing a platform for all countries to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes. Seven candidates have formally submitted their names for the position of Secretary General, with a focus on restoring trust in the multilateral system and reviving peacekeeping efforts.",
  "summary": "Rules of war are being shredded by combatants with virtually no accountability. It’s one of several key issues for the UN’s new leader to tackle.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}