Inside Geneva Is the UN still relevant at 80?
Sep 16, 2025
Richard Gowan, Director for UN and Multilateral Diplomacy at the International Crisis Group, discusses the UN's 80th anniversary and its role in a changing world. He emphasizes the UN's ongoing relevance for refugees and peacekeeping, despite criticisms. Gowan contrasts the quick-fix diplomacy favored by leaders like Donald Trump with the UN's long-term approach to peace. He also highlights troubling trends of states undermining UN operations and financial cuts threatening its efforts, urging a reassessment of member states’ commitment to reform.
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Powers Sideline The UN Diplomatically
- Major powers including the US claim they want the UN to prioritise peacemaking but in practice avoid using it for today's big crises.
- Gowan argues this leaves the UN managing 'crumbs'—second-order crises no one else wants.
Prioritise Slow, Grounded Diplomacy
- Sustainable peace requires slow, patient diplomacy and work on the ground rather than headline-grabbing summits or quick deals.
- Gowan advises relying on incremental mediation rather than short-term 'master dealmaker' approaches.
UN Marginal In Ukraine Diplomacy
- The UN is marginal in the Ukraine crisis because European powers have preferred other diplomatic tracks since 2014.
- Guterres' notable UN success was the Black Sea Grain initiative, while overall UN access in the war remains constrained.