United Nations Secretary-General urges support for UN80 reform initiative

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on member states to advance the UN80 Initiative, a system-wide reform effort launched in March 2025 to mark the organization's 80th anniversary. During a briefing to the General Assembly, Guterres stated that the initiative has transitioned from the phases of identification and design into a third phase focused on decision-making and implementation.

The reform effort is organized into three primary workstreams: increasing efficiency within the UN Secretariat, reviewing mandate implementation, and pursuing structural and programmatic realignments. Guterres emphasized that the goal is to create a more coherent, disciplined, and effective organization capable of responding to increasing global conflicts and humanitarian needs.

While some changes fall under the Secretary-General's direct authority and are already underway, other aspects of the reform require formal decisions from the General Assembly or other governing bodies. Guterres noted that the success of the initiative depends on the responsibility and choices made by member states to ensure the organization can better deliver on its promises and the Sustainable Development Goals.