THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS-81ST SESSION-GENERAL DEBATE
A reflection from Delia Chatoor
According to the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, there are 130 armed conflicts around the world. Since the end of the Second World War, there have been rare direct wars between major global powers but instead localised and regional interstate conflicts which, according to the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), has seen an increase in interstate conflicts. These doubled from 2024 to 2025.The Institute states that there are “Eight active state-against-state wars – the highest annual count recorded since 1946”.
In addition, the international community has been called on to confront other challenges, ranging from the impact of climate change, erosion of the international rules-based order, deadly natural disasters, and increased concern for food security, to migratory trends. The increased attacks on humanitarian workers are also adding to the destabilising impact of support to the vulnerable. The struggle to gather adequate human and financial resources has further eroded the ability of the international community to reach out to support those in need.
All this made it appropriate for the theme of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to be “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
There were several focus areas, including the rebuilding of confidence in multilateral institutions; navigating global technological, economic, and environmental shifts; and addressing complex and interconnected international challenges. Although national governments are mandated to assume primary responsibility to lead their countries’ development, it has become very clear that this has not been achievable, so that collaboration and co-operation with civil society is an existing feature.
From Tuesday 22nd September to Monday 28th September 2026, the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UNGA was held with the participation of heads of state and government, and foreign ministers. Even though they focused in part on the Assembly’s theme, many articulated their concerns on the overall situation, touching on the conduct of international relations. They lamented the continued erosion of the ethos which gave birth to the United Nations and its role to promote peace and security, protect human rights, provide humanitarian assistance, encourage development, ensure social justice, and foster co-operation among nations.
Delegates also addressed the challenges confronting the recognition and implementation of an international rules-based order, along with the impact they are having on the work of the UN. This has been described as a “system of law, treaties/conventions, principles, and organisations” which the international community collaborated on after the two world wars. The purpose was to manage relations between states, to prevent conflicts, and to uphold the rights of all people. These actions were meant to reposition in the UN the system whereby states would respect each other, establish rules and principles that would be inclusive, and prevent armed conflicts. International Law was to be seen as the cornerstone of this budding architecture.
In his address at the 81st UNGA General Debate on 26 September 2026, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Vatican, observed that “multilateralism is in crisis’, adding however that this “does not diminish its importance.”
He suggested that what is required is “the will to uphold justice rather than resort to violence; the will to uphold the rule of law rather than submit to domination; the will to choose peace over destruction.”
Such appeals go hand in hand with the themes of the 2026 Franciscan Jubilee Year which call on us to be at peace with God, peace among Humanity, and peace with Creation. The Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi should define for us the inextricable link between St. Francis’s call and the Principles and Purposes of the UN which call on States to, inter alia, “practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” These laudable goals are achievable when there is recognition of the value of the existing International Rules-based Order alongside “the establishment of conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained.” (Charter of the United Nations)
During the General Debate, most Heads of Delegation reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to the Principles and Purposes of the UN Charter, and to do their best to strengthen the International Rules-based Order, to work together in good faith and trust to ensure that there is enduring peace, security, development, and equitable prosperity.
Civil society is called on to “seize the moment to shift from pure rhetoric to constructive action”, leaving for succeeding generations a world that is more tolerant, resilient, peaceful and secure. This is attainable even amid uncertainties and questions on the viability/relevance of International Law.
There is no room now for unilateralism, confrontation, or breach of trust. Collaboration and co-operation must instead be the order of the day.
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash