The UN at 80: Reform, cuts & the future of multilateralism

September 22, 2025

- YouTube

The United Nations is marking its 80th anniversary under intense pressure: shrinking resources, deep geopolitical divisions, and global challenges left unresolved.

“The question is not whether the UN’s mandate is good ... it’s whether we are equipped, and whether the world is ready, to pursue it.”

UN Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder joins GZERO Media’s Tony Maciulis from the sidelines of the 2025 UN General Assembly to discuss the UN80 initiative, which aims to streamline mandates, cut costs, and restore public trust.

This conversation is presented by GZERO in partnership with Microsoft, from the 2025 UN General Assembly. The Global Stage series convenes global leaders for critical conversations on the geopolitical and technological trends shaping our world.

Watch more from Global Stage.

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The Palestinian flag is raised as the Palestinian mission to the United Kingdom holds a ceremony after the UK government announced on Sunday the country's formal recognition of a Palestinian state, at the mission's headquarters in London, United Kingdom, on September 22, 2025.

REUTERS/Toby Melville

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In this Quick Take, Ian Bremmer unpacks a tense UN High-Level Week dominated by Israel-Palestine.

Get insights from RBC Capital Markets’ experts on the evolving global trade dynamics and the potential effects of tariffs on the economy, financial markets, and across industries.

If you live in New York City, you are well aware of what is about to descend upon our already crowded streets: the United Nations General Assembly.

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