UN’s Declining Credibility

April 23, 2026

Abhishek Vij

During World War II, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, it was decided to strengthen the UN platform to prevent any potential war-like conflict in the world. Until a decade ago, this global organization was powerful. It was committed to implementing the Paris Climate Agreement to address the challenges posed by climate change, promoting global economic growth, protecting the environment, and reducing the growing gap between rich and poor.

However, the UN’s credibility and influence gradually declined. Only five countries held veto power, which they used not for the benefit of the world but to assert their own positions.

The global landscape is gradually changing. India and other Third World countries have emerged as influential figures. African countries have also emerged on the global stage. However, due to the influence of the United States and Europe, these countries have not received due recognition. Despite the support of many major countries, India has not yet been admitted to the Security Council.

When terrible wars broke out in some countries, the United Nations failed to fulfill its responsibility to intervene and bring peace. Even its condemnation of the wars had no effect. Gradually, this organization, dependent on American financial support, has become toothless. Recently, US President Donald Trump claimed that organizations like the United Nations and NATO are being run with American money. The UN’s ineffectiveness was evident in its failure to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine. Now, even during the war between Iran and the United States, the UN has failed to provide any meaningful intervention. But this important international institution still exists.

The new thing is that the second five-year term of its Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will end on December 31, 2026. Ten years ago, when Guterres won this election, many candidates entered the fray and there was a tough competition. But this time, as preparations have begun to choose Guterres’ replacement, there is a shortage of potential candidates and nominating governments. Currently, the United Nations has 193 member countries, but compared to 2016, there is a sharp polarization among these countries. The world environment is also turbulent at this time. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for a long time.

Despite nearly two months of war, Iran and the United States appear unwilling to hold peace talks, despite the desire expressed on both sides. In such a climate, only four candidates have entered the fray for the position of UN Secretary-General, reflecting the UN’s declining credibility. First up is former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, followed by Argentina’s UN Atomic Energy chief Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Then, Costa Rica’s UN Trade Chief Rebecca Grinszpan will present at the UN General Assembly Interactive Dialogue. Finally, former Senegalese President Macky Sall will present. In 2016, 13 candidates contested the closely contested election. This time, there are only four. The reason is simple: when the UN’s peace appeals and condemnation resolutions have no effect, the UN Security Council remains unheard, and this organization, supposed to be the guardian of peace, has become ineffective