The United Nations often seems inadequate in an era of international mistrust: the Security Council has failed to respond meaningfully to the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan; scientists warn that there is little to no chance of states meeting the UN’s goals to limit global warming, agreed in 2015; and multilateral efforts to end extreme poverty are faltering.
On September 22 and 23, leaders will gather in New York for an event that is meant to stop the rot. The Summit of the Future, announced by António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, in 2021, is intended to face up to these challenges. Yet there is a risk that it will only highlight the limits to international cooperation.
Will the Summit of the Future help the UN stop its rot?
UN secretary-general António Guterres hopes the summit will better equip the faltering organization for new global challenges. But restoring faith in multilateralism may take longer, writes Richard Gowan.
