UN General Assembly head warns global multilateral system ‘under attack’
In her 2026 priorities address, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock declared the multilateral system is "under attack," citing crises from Gaza to Ukraine. She urged defense of the UN Charter and highlighted the upcoming selection of the next Secretary-General.
UN General Assembly head warns global multilateral system ‘under attack’
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock has issued a stark warning that the international multilateral system faces an existential threat, describing it as "under attack" rather than merely under pressure. In her address outlining priorities for 2026, she painted a grim picture of a world in crisis.
A "make-or-break moment" for global cooperation
Baerbock noted that the year began with turmoil in places like Caracas and Tehran, stating that "happiness is in short supply." She asserted the world is at "an even more urgent make-or-break moment" than when the current UN session began, referencing conflicts from Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan and Afghanistan. "The world needs the United Nations," she emphasized, adding that the institution "is worth fighting for."
A call to defend principles and choose new leadership
The Assembly President called on all member states to uphold the UN Charter and international law, implicitly criticizing powerful nations, including permanent Security Council members, for violating core principles. She stressed the importance of consensus and strong majorities within the General Assembly. A key task for 2026 is electing a successor to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends in December. Baerbock encouraged the nomination of women candidates, stating the next leader must "chart a path to the future" while defending the Charter.
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The Secretary-General selection process
The formal selection process for the next UN chief was launched in November. Member states may nominate candidates, with the Security Council assessing them and forwarding a nominee to the General Assembly for a final vote by July 2026. The candidate must not be vetoed by any of the five permanent Council members and must secure sufficient votes in both bodies. For nations like Türkiye, which advocates for a more equitable global governance system, this leadership transition is a critical opportunity to shape the UN's future relevance and effectiveness.
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