UN Secretary-General's Priorities for 2026: Peace, Justice, and Unity

Global Context and Cooperation Paradox

• 🌍 The world is described as being in chaos, marked by conflict, impunity, inequality, and unpredictability, with geopolitical divides and violations of international law.
• 🤝 Despite the greatest need for international cooperation, there's a paradox of least inclination to use and invest in it, with some even seeking to end it.
• 💡 The UN is committed to advancing its work, focusing on peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and delivering life-saving aid, while also shaping the global conversation on artificial intelligence.

UN Reforms and Financial Stability

• 🛠️ The UN initiative aims to build a more effective, coherent, and impactful system amidst shrinking resources and rising needs.
• 💰 Reform is crucial, but requires member states to honor financial obligations in full and on time, as the current situation is unsustainable.
• 🏛️ Institutional structures must reflect the current world, as 1945 problem-solving approaches are inadequate for 2026 challenges, necessitating reforms in international financial and trade institutions, and the Security Council.

Guiding Principles: Charter, Peace, and Justice

• 📜 Adherence to the UN Charter is paramount, serving as the foundation of international relations, peace, development, and human rights, not an "à la carte menu."
• ⚖️ Leaders selectively following international law undermine global order and set dangerous precedents, with the erosion of law unfolding live before the world.
• 💰 The extreme concentration of wealth (top 1% holding 43% of global financial assets) is morally indefensible and a danger to equal rights and dignity, influencing economies, information, and rules.
• 🕊️ The pursuit of peace and justice is central, addressing ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, DRC, Haiti, Sahel, and Myanmar, and tackling root causes like the lag in Sustainable Development Goals.
• ✊ Peace with justice requires grounding in international law and human rights, safeguarding freedom of speech, civic space, and addressing the violent repression in Iran.
• 🌍 Peace with nature is essential, as climate change is a threat multiplier, demanding immediate action to cut emissions, transition to renewables, and ensure climate justice.

Building Unity in an Age of Division

• 🤝 The priority is to build unity in an age of division, combating racism, xenophobia, and religious bigotry that corrode societies.
• 🗣️ Addressing the feeling of being left behind due to globalization and technological progress, and countering the false narrative of zero-sum identity.
• 🌐 Every country has the right to manage borders, but migrants and refugees also have rights that must be respected, advocating for welcoming societies over "walled-off citadels."
• ✨ Building societies that invest in social cohesion, inclusion, education, decent jobs, and social protection, where everyone's identity is respected and they feel they belong.
• 🚀 The UN represents a promise that despite differences, problems will be solved together, urging action based on peace, dignity, and hope.