Show Notes
The 81st UN General Assembly is underway in New York, with nearly 130 world leaders gathering to discuss wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, humanitarian crises and the rapid development of AI.
This year’s theme is ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.’
But behind the speeches is another pressing question: who can the UN rely on for financial support?
The EU and its member states provided more than one third of the UN system’s voluntary funding in 2025.
While US support for international assistance has been sharply reduced under President Trump. The US owes over $4 billion to the UN in unpaid mandatory contributions.
So, as the United States steps back, is Europe becoming an increasingly important partner for the United Nations?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Mark Seddon Former Speech Writer for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Jane Kinninmont Chief Executive Officer at the United Nations Association - UK
Oliver Drewes Former EU Commission Spokesperson
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