New York City, January 16, 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his final annual speech to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, sharply criticizing global leaders for failing to uphold international cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises.
Guterres warned that “self-defeating geopolitical divides” and “brazen violations of international law” are threatening the very foundations of multilateralism, highlighting deep cuts in humanitarian and development aid that are leaving millions worldwide without critical support.
“At a time when we need international cooperation the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it. Some seek to put international cooperation on deathwatch,” Guterres said.
Criticism of Global Powers and US Funding Cuts
While Guterres did not directly name specific countries, his remarks appeared aimed at the United States, which recently slashed its contributions to UN agencies under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies.
Last year, the US announced it would allocate only $2 billion for United Nations humanitarian assistance, a dramatic reduction from its previous contributions of up to $17 billion, making it a fraction of the UN’s total funding needs.
The Trump administration has also effectively dismantled USAID, the US Agency for International Development, calling on UN agencies to “adapt, shrink or die”, according to Guterres’ address.
Key Priorities for 2026
In his final annual list of priorities as secretary-general, Guterres emphasized the UN’s commitment to global peace, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution, particularly in regions currently facing severe crises:
- Gaza – Guterres called for unimpeded humanitarian aid and urged all parties to allow the UN to operate safely and effectively in the war-torn enclave.
- Ukraine – He reiterated the UN’s role in advocating for peace and stopping the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that the international community must renew efforts to find a diplomatic resolution.
- Sudan – Guterres urged a resumption of talks to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Sudan, where ongoing conflicts have displaced millions.
“The UN is totally committed in the cause of peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and far beyond, tireless in delivering life-saving aid to those so desperate for support,” he said.
Challenges Facing the UN
Guterres highlighted structural obstacles that have hampered the UN’s effectiveness:
- Security Council Paralysis – Tensions among the US, Russia, and China, the three permanent veto-wielding members, have left the Security Council unable to act decisively in many crises.
- Funding Shortfalls – Deep cuts in humanitarian and development funding threaten to undermine global aid delivery and the UN’s ability to respond to emergencies.
- Conflict Prevention Failures – Critics have argued that during Guterres’ tenure, the UN has struggled to prevent protracted conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere.
A Call to Action for Global Leaders
Guterres used his final address to the General Assembly to challenge world leaders to reinvest in multilateralism, warning that failure to cooperate globally could have catastrophic consequences for peace and human security.
“The world cannot afford complacency. Multilateralism is under attack, and if the international community does not act decisively, the consequences will be dire,” Guterres said.
He urged nations to prioritize diplomacy, respect international law, and protect humanitarian corridors, particularly in regions where civilians are most at risk.
Legacy and Reflection
As Guterres prepares to step down at the end of 2026, his tenure will be remembered for confronting some of the most challenging crises of the early 21st century:
- Ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the broader Middle East
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- Humanitarian disasters and civil unrest in Africa, including Sudan
- Geopolitical tensions among major powers threatening UN cohesion
While the UN’s record on conflict prevention has faced criticism, Guterres’ final speech underscores his belief in the organization’s enduring mission: to protect human lives, uphold international law, and foster global cooperation.
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