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Drama unfolds at the United Nations this week, as the 80th session of the UN General Assembly gets underway with leaders from more than 150 countries gathering in New York. At The Delegates Lounge podcast, we're beginning our coverage of what is known as either the "high-level week" of the General Assembly, or, more simply, "UNGA." 

We held our first conversation with the former U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood, who served during the Biden Administration, as he shares his unfiltered perspective on a radically changed landscape. Recorded on Sunday, Sept. 21 as we walked about the United Nations headquarters in New York while security and television crews were scurrying all around us to set up for the big week ahead. Our conversation reveals how the organization faces existential challenges unlike any since World War II.

The contrast couldn't be more striking – last year's ambitious Pact for the Future versus this year's austere UN80 reform process. With the Trump administration returning to power and withholding critical funding, the UN now confronts a severe liquidity crisis forcing Secretary-General António Guterres to implement painful reductions of about one-fifth of staff. Wood expresses grave concern about cuts to conflict resolution capabilities and humanitarian operations at a time when global needs have never been greater.

"The UN is at a major point of inflection," Wood warns, as we explore how budget constraints will reshape multilateralism itself. The conversation delves into pressing geopolitical flashpoints – from Russia's designs beyond Ukraine to the Palestinian statehood conference set to take place at the General Assembly the next day. With 48 hostages still held by Hamas and Israeli operations intensifying, Wood offers candid insights on diplomatic missteps and potential pathways forward.

Looking ahead, the selection of the next secretary-general emerges at a pivotal moment. Wood articulates the need for a visionary leader who can navigate reforms while preserving the organization's core mission – someone who fosters "hope, not division" during these tumultuous times. Despite the sobering assessment, Wood maintains that the UN remains "a big hope for billions around the world" if it can adapt to new realities.

Join us for this essential conversation that goes beyond headlines to explore what's at stake for multilateralism. Subscribe now and never miss an episode as we bring you insights from the heart of international diplomacy.

Speakers:

J. Alex Tarquinio (host) is a resident correspondent at the United Nations in New York and co-founder of The Delegates Lounge podcast. @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X and @thedelegateslounge on Instagram.

Amb. Robert Wood (guest) was the U.S. Deputy Permanent Representantive to the United Nations during the Biden Administration. @WoodRoberta5 on X.

References:

Our podcast host, J. Alex Tarquinio, wrote the curtain-raiser for the United Nations high-level week for Foreign Policy. Here's a gift link to the article.