UN Secretary General’s 2026 agenda
In his remarks to the press, Secretary-General António Guterres outlined his priorities for 2026 and his overriding commitment to the sustainability of multilateralism.
United Nations
Sphinx News: Ahmed Ali
Now in his last year as Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the preservation of multilateralism, warning, however, that 2026 has already shown that “the law of power is prevailing over the power of law.”
Within the contemporary international order, António Guterres speaks of an era where “international law is trampled, cooperation is eroding, and multilateral institutions are under assault on many fronts.”
The Secretary-General suggests “impunity is driving today’s conflicts—fueling escalation, widening mistrust, and kicking the doors open for powerful spoilers to enter from every direction.”
Emblematic of geopolitical conflicts like the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, the Sudan Civil War, and active despotism within the decrepit Gaza enclave, the Secretary-General posits that “the slashing of humanitarian aid is generating its own chain reactions of despair, displacement, and death.”
A catalyst to the sheer barbarism and anarchy that continues to disseminate is an outdated Security Council. An integral and preliminary body of the United Nations, Guterres insists that the Council’s political paralysis in the midst of perilous actions reflects two things: first, ongoing geopolitical grievances and power struggles between great powers, and second, “systems that are out of time, reflecting the economic and power structures of 80 years ago.”
Guterres contends that “global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots. Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.”
Guterres calls for urgent reform, urging a reconfiguration of the current geopolitical climate into one of “multipolarity, that is networked, inclusive by design, and capable of creating balance through partnerships.”
While conflicts remain belligerent and power politics prevail, Guterres yearns for his protestations to be backed by sheer political will from the organization’s 193 member states. He reaffirms the United Nations’ continued work not only to preserve peace, but to strengthen its own institutions in a manner that is conducive to the capricious nature of the contemporary order.
Therefore, as the current leader of the United Nations, spearheading the global initiative towards sustainable development, international peace, and human rights, the Secretary-General lists the following measures being taken by the UN: “We are pressing to reform and strengthen the Security Council—the one and only body with the Charter-mandated authority to act on peace and security on behalf of every country. We are acting to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and insisting on reform of the global financial architecture. We are demanding far greater support for countries already confronting climate catastrophe, expanded early warning systems, opportunities for nations rich in critical minerals to climb global value chains.
And on technology, we are working urgently to help craft a framework for governance—through a global dialogue here at the United Nations, the new International Scientific Panel on AI, and enhanced capacity support for developing countries.”
On notable geopolitical conflicts circulating the globe today, the Secretary-General commented the following:
On the polarization of the international world, Guterres insinuated a return to bipolar relations as outlined by the Cold War. An antecedent to the grave catastrophe and intrastate degradation that a bipolar setting has caused, Guterres states there are two new poles, “one centered in the U.S. and one centered in China.” He adds, “If we want a stable world, if we want a world where peace and development can be sustained and generalized, where our values will prevail, we need to support multipolarity and a dense set of relations amongst different countries.”
On Iran, the Secretary-General reasserts his vehement condemnation “of the horrible repression that occurred within the Islamic Republic. We see with concern the discussions that are taking place, and we believe that it is important that there is dialogue allowing for an agreement in relation mainly to the nuclear question, and that we can avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region.”
On the developments around the Trump Administration’s newly found “Board of Peace,” intended to extend its mechanisms (as outlined within its Charter) past its original duty in Gaza, Guterres maintains that “it is absolutely essential that Resolution 2803 (mandating the Board strictly with provisions for Gaza) is respected.” This, of course, means a comprehensive ceasefire and “full withdrawal of Israeli forces, decommissioning of armed groups, and paving the way for a two-state solution.” On the intention of the Board of Peace and its Charter wanting to usurp the Security Council, Guterres professes that “the basic responsibility for international peace and security lies with the UN, lies with the Security Council, and the Security Council stands alone in its Charter-mandated authority to act on behalf of all members in questions of peace and security. Only the Security Council can adopt binding decisions on all, and no other body or coalition can legally require member states to comply with decisions on peace and security. Under international law, only the Security Council can authorize the use of force. The centrality of the peace and security system lies ONLY with the UN.”
On Israel’s expansion of settlements within the West Bank, the Secretary-General categorically rejects such expansion, ascertaining that said notion is not only a breach of international law, but an attempt “to undermine the two-state solution.” He urges the United States to play a more active role in mitigating the Israeli state’s behavior, stating that “the country with the greatest capacity to exert pressure on Israel is the United States.”
On Afghanistan and the institutionalized repression of women and girls by the de facto Taliban authorities, Guterres notes that engagement with Taliban authorities has produced “some positive impact, namely in relation to the private sector allowing women and girls to work.” He adds, however, “we are deeply frustrated by the fact that we remain without UN female staff being able to go to UN headquarters, and that we still do not have equitable access for girls to secondary education. This is indeed a dilemma (gauging whether or not any net positives arise from constant engagement with Taliban authorities), and we ask ourselves this question every day.”
Regarding Gaza, the Secretary-General calls the ongoing agreement for the cessation of hostilities a “lesser fire,” but notes that it has produced some benefit in the ability to distribute humanitarian aid. “When the first ceasefire took place, humanitarian aid exploded.” While the amount being allowed in “is not enough,” calling particularly on the Israeli authorities to allow more medical supplies into the besieged enclave, he adds, “we are totally committed to overcoming any obstacles.”
On UNRWA and Israel’s systematic campaign to destroy and undermine the organization’s institution and credibility for the work of Palestinians, Guterres asserts, “our stance on the matter is clear,” noting the ruling made by the ICJ (International Court of Justice) on the matter. Guterres also calls on members of the international community not to stand acquiescent to the desecration of UNRWA facilities, warning that this sets a harmful precedent in which blatant contravention of international law has become normalized.
