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In his final annual priorities address, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a blunt warning that the world is drifting into “chaos,” urging governments to recommit to the U.N. Charter and anchor their actions in “peace with justice” as conflicts, inequality and climate risks intensify.

The president of the U.N. General Assembly warned Wednesday that the multilateral system faces an existential moment as she fielded sharp questioning from journalists on the next secretary-general race, U.N. funding shortfalls and Israel’s restrictions on UNRWA. The sustained exchange revealed a press corps increasingly focused not on ceremony, but on whether the institution’s processes still carry real credibility.

The UN General Assembly approved a $3.45 billion budget for 2026 after months of difficult negotiations, locking in deep spending and staffing cuts as the organization faces severe cash-flow pressures and unresolved arrears from member states.

The UN General Assembly adopted 40 resolutions across Palestine, decolonization, and global communications, delivering overwhelming support for UNRWA amid the Gaza crisis and reaffirming Palestinian refugee rights and the illegality of Israeli settlements. Member States also established a new International Day Against Colonialism and advanced actions on the world’s remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.

The UN’s newly adopted AI Resolution signals ambition, but falls short on substance. By excluding military AI, leaning on voluntary funding, and offering little beyond dialogue, it risks becoming another symbolic exercise. Unless backed by real financing and authority, the UN will watch as the future of AI is shaped elsewhere—by powers and corporations with little concern for equity.

Bahrain, Colombia, the DRC, Latvia, and Liberia have been elected to the UN Security Council for 2026–2027. In an exclusive exchange with ATN News, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister addressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear enrichment, pledging support for a region free of nuclear weapons and committed to peaceful negotiations.