UN chief’s last annual speech slams world leaders for lack of cooperation

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 15, 2026 at 06:45 PM

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In his final annual address to the UN General Assembly on January 15, 2026, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized world leaders for undermining international cooperation through actions like cutting development and humanitarian aid. He warned that these cuts, particularly those made by the United States, are destabilizing global cooperation and multilateralism. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to address crises in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and to provide essential aid. He stated that the UN remains committed to these causes despite the challenges. He urged the UN to adapt to the changing landscape or risk becoming irrelevant.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Bank 35% United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) 35% International Court of Justice (ICJ) 35% Israel ×240% Ukraine 50% Gaza 50% Sudan 50% US Agency for International Development (USAID) 60% Donald Trump ×270% United States ×380% Antonio Guterres ×390% UN ×795%

Keywords

international cooperation 100% united nations 90% antonio guterres 80% multilateralism 70% humanitarian aid 70% funding cuts 60% us 50% geopolitical divides 50% foreign aid 40%