United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon discusses the challenges and responsibilities facing the international community today.

The United Nations is facing a growing range of transnational challenges in a time of increasingly scarce resources. Ambassador Joseph Torsella, U.S. representative to the United Nations for management and reform, discusses the U.S. role in working toward a more effective and efficient United Nations.

As the uprising continues in Syria, the international community moved to condemn the Assad regime in the aftermath of the government's attacks on the city of Hama. CFR's Elliott Abrams and Robert Danin discuss how these developments affect U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East.

As fighting continues in Libya between anti- and pro-government forces, the Obama administration has warned that it is considering all options, including military intervention. Conflict prevention expert Micah Zenko and international law expert Matthew Waxman discuss the Obama administration's options in Libya and their implications.

CFR's Stewart M. Patrick discussed the findings of his recent Council Special Report "UN Security Council Enlargement and U.S. Interests," coauthored with Kara C. McDonald, with students, as part of CFR's Academic Conference Call series.

Learn more about CFR's Academic Initiative.

Experts discuss the role of the UN Millennium Development Goals as a framework for new government development policy, the importance of increasing aid funding transparency with developing nations, and the impact of the financial crisis on the developing world.

This meeting is part of the International Institutions and Global Governance program and the Roundtable Series on the United States and the Future of Global Governance, and is made possible by a generous grant from the Robina Foundation.

Ted Turner, chairman of Turner Enterprises, reflects on his distinguished career in business, media, and philanthropy.

Listen to Ray Takeyh, CFR's senior fellow for middle eastern studies, and James Lindsay, CFR's director of studies, discuss nuclear proliferation and Iran's nuclear program in advance of high-level talks at the United Nations.

Listen to Sadako Ogata, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, discuss how human security has changed over the course of her career, as part of the CFR Global Women Leaders Series, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc.

Listen to UN deputy secretary-general Asha-Rose Migiro discuss priorities for the United Nations, with particular regard to international development. This event was made possible by the generosity of ExxonMobil.

Listen to Jan Egeland, special adviser to the secretary-general of the United Nations, discuss the current state of international humanitarian affairs and how world leaders can be more involved in solving related crises.

Listen to experts discuss the past, present, and future of the United Nations.

Listen to Shashi Tharoor, the UN undersecretary general for communications and public information, discuss his candidacy for UN Secretary General.

The quest by Palestinian officials for statehood recognition could have major repercussions for the Mideast peace process. This Backgrounder outlines the potential impact of the UN vote.

As world leaders prepare to convene for the sixty-seventh session of the UN General Assembly, they will face renewed calls for UN recognition of Palestine and a redoubling of diplomatic efforts in a volatile Middle East.

The brutality of the Qaddafi regime and the subsequent debate over a no-fly zone has again spotlighted the UN's "Responsibility to Protect" doctrine. Using it for military intervention remains highly contended, but even humanitarian intervention is resisted by countries who see it as a threat to sovereignty.