United Nations and International Law

At the UN General Assembly’s 80th‑anniversary commemoration in London’s Methodist Central Hall, Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that international law is being “trampled,” citing slashed aid, widening inequality, accelerating climate chaos and underfunded UN agencies — problems he linked to more than half of member states (including the United States) failing to pay agreed contributions and to Washington’s executive order withdrawing the U.S. from dozens of international bodies. UNGA President Annalena Baerbock added that UN principles are “not only under pressure, but under heavy attack,” urging citizens to stand up for and defend the organization.