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The 80-year-old UN is struggling for relevance — here's why

Misha Komadovsky
September 22, 2025

World leaders are meeting in New York to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations' establishment following World War II. However, the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, recent Russian violations of NATO airspace and US funding cuts are calling its future into question.

https://p.dw.com/p/50uv1

US President Donald Trump returns to the UN stage amid deep global divisions. Despite past criticism of the United Nations, Trump is set to deliver his fifth speech to the General Assembly.

Former UN official Oleksandr Matsuka said the organization is in crisis, with China filling the leadership vacuum once held by the United States. He argued the UN still matters — for human rights and development — but peacekeeping might need a new structure.

Misha Komadovsky
Misha Komadovsky Washington correspondent focussing on foreign policy, global diplomacy and Russia's war in Ukraine.@komadovsky
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