The Inside Story Podcast How important is the UN General Assembly in today's world?
Sep 24, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Ravi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy, emphasizes the UN's essential role in uniting world leaders despite criticisms. Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistani ambassador, addresses the credibility crisis plaguing the Security Council, particularly issues in Gaza and Ukraine. Mark Seddon advocates for using the General Assembly as a counterbalance to Council deadlock, exploring practical reform alternatives. They all underscore the critical need for member-led initiatives to ensure the UN's relevance in a shifting global landscape.
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UN Still Fulfils Core Convening Role
- Ravi Agrawal argues the UN remains necessary as a physical and spiritual forum where all leaders have a voice.
- He stresses useful lower-level work continues despite high-level geopolitical gridlock.
Credibility Hinges On Peace And Security
- Maleeha Lodhi says the UN faces a credibility crisis because the Security Council is paralyzed by P5 politics.
- She argues people judge the UN primarily by its peace-and-security performance, where it is failing.
General Assembly As An Active Alternative
- Mark Seddon notes member states are mobilizing beyond the Security Council using General Assembly tools like Uniting for Peace.
- He predicts increased use of assembly powers as pushback to perceived disruption by major powers.