The UN authorization of a new security mission in Haiti marks an escalation in efforts to curb surging gang violence. Aimed at alleviating a worsening humanitarian crisis, its militarized approach has nevertheless raised concerns about repeating mistakes from previous interventions.
Amid mounting global challenges, government and organizational leaders speaking at CFR during the UN General Assembly emphasized that the world is undergoing a profound transformation in areas like energy, trade, and security.
Each year, the General Assembly hosts a much-watched debate of world leaders. The 2025 meeting focused on climate change, artificial intelligence governance, UN reform, and the ongoing wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.
Zero nuclear enrichment is no longer solely an American position, and it will isolate the Iranian regime even further at a volatile time in the Middle East.
Welcome to “Women Around the World: This Week,” a series that highlights noteworthy news related to women and U.S. foreign policy. This week’s post covers September 20 to September 26.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk discusses the most pressing human rights issues around the world.
For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website.
The Sorensen Distinguished Lecture on the United Nations was established in 1996 by Gillian and Theodore C. Sorensen to highlight the United Nations and offer a special occasion for its most distinguished and experienced leaders to speak to the Council membership.
Virtual Eventby Volker Türk and Linda Thomas-Greenfield September 26, 2025
Sorensen Lecture
The United States has historically been the largest donor to the United Nations. However, during his second term, President Trump has reduced U.S. funding, withdrawn from major agencies, and scaled back the country’s involvement in UN initiatives.
The U.S. president’s words have immense implications. In effect, he eschewed a shared humanity across borders and the need for international cooperation to resolve global challenges.
CFR experts analyze President Donald Trump’s speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23, and discuss how it will shape further dialogue on trade, immigration, European security, and U.S. relations with Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The video and transcript of this briefing will be posted on the CFR website.
Please join the Zoom event at least five minutes before the start of the presentation by using the below details:Unpacking the President’s UNGA SpeechWebinar ID: 860 4047 0149
Passcode: 738479
The UN Charter has steered the world through numerous crises in the past. A new and modern interpretation of the document will help leaders address the growing number of existential global challenges that they now face.
The United Nations’ top leadership position has broad authority to steer the organization’s agenda. Yet its impact has varied widely since 1946, shaped by global crises, political constraints, and personal diplomacy.
Since the end of World War II, the United Nations has served as the world’s leading international body dedicated to promoting peace, security, and cooperation. From conflict resolution to climate action, it has played an evolving role over the past eight decades in attempting to address global challenges.
Timelineby Diana Roy
and Sabine Baumgartner September 17, 2025
As the UN General Assembly convenes for its eightieth session, one major topic of debate is the secretary-general’s internal reform plan, which proposes significant budget cuts and agency consolidations. What could these changes mean for the United Nations’ future?
Council of Councils
Think Global Health