UN80 Reform
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I’ve been reflecting lately on how fortunate we are to be part of this fellowship especially at a time when the UN is actively rethinking its role ahead of UN80. It’s not every day you get to witness (and contribute to) a moment of institutional reflection and potential reform from the inside. Being here makes me think deeply about what this milestone really means—not just for the UN, but for how we show up as future leaders.
I’m curious, how are you all experiencing this moment? What does UN80 stir in you?
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ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS I feel similarly moved by the opportunity to be part of this fellowship during such a pivotal time. Being here while the UN reflects on its identity and role ahead of its 80th anniversary feels like more than coincidence, it feels like a call to action. It’s prompting me to think not just about institutional reform, but also about the kind of leadership that will be needed in the next era: leadership that is inclusive, agile, and accountable to the people it serves.
For me, UN80 stirs a mix of urgency and hope. Urgency because the world is facing complex, interconnected challenges that demand bold, collective action and hope because I believe we, as young professionals, bring fresh perspectives that can help reimagine systems for greater equity and justice.
I’d love to hear how others are processing this moment too. What kind of contribution do we want to make towards the future of multilateralism?
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ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS I remain rather skeptical about this reform.
We've gone from the MDGs, which were a failure, to the SDGs, whose rate of achievement is still a long way from expectations with 5 years to go. How can we be sure that such a reform will be effective this time? What's more, one of the objectives of the UN80 initiative is to improve and ensure financial viability. But in view of the Trump administration's new funding and aid policies, the question of financial viability is all the more crucial and urgent. Finally, for the countries of Africa and especially SSA, which are heavily dependent on this aid, what are the alternatives for ensuring operational efficiency and optimizing the allocation of financial resources?
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IITUMBA Ndinelao,Namibia,PCKMD Thank you for that powerful reflection. “A call to action” really captures what this moment feels like. Being here now, during such a pivotal shift, makes me reflect on the kind of leadership the future demands: not just passionate, but principled, prepared, and people centered. Looking forward to rebranding my leadership presence to this.
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SOUMTANG BIME Valentine, Cameroon, DES-P Thank you for raising this, your skepticism is not only valid, it’s necessary. Real reform must go beyond ambition to address implementation gaps, financial dependence, and deliver meaningful, lasting change especially for regions like ours or Moreso, the entire continent.
Being at ECA during this pivotal moment, I keep reflecting on what change readiness truly means. Do we, as institutions, have the systems, leadership, and collective will to act differently this time? I look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds and what role we can play in shaping it.
