World Leaders Almost All Agree on One Thing: The U.N. Is Failing
International leaders are calling for sweeping structural reform of the United Nations, citing its failure to address ongoing global conflicts. The criticism comes as the organization faces financial deficits and great-power rivalries. Candidates are vying to select the tenth Secretary-General. Officials stress the need for structural renewal to restore credibility and maintain the principles of the founding charter.
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- ✓ Calls for sweeping structural reform of the United Nations intensify as international leaders criticize the organization for failing to address ongoing global conflicts.
- ✓ Security Council changes remain a central demand as persistent geopolitical tensions challenge the international system.
- ✓ Candidates are currently vying to select the tenth Secretary-General while financial deficits and great-power rivalries strain the institution.
What changed
The criticism of the UN's failure to address global conflicts has intensified, with more international leaders calling for structural reform.
Live updates
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World Leaders Criticize UN as Failing to Address Global Conflicts
International leaders are calling for sweeping structural reform of the United Nations, citing its failure to address ongoing global conflicts. The criticism comes as the organization faces financial deficits and great-power rivalries. Candidates are vying to select the tenth Secretary-General. Officials stress the need for structural renewal to restore credibility and maintain the principles of the founding charter.
Why it matters
The intensifying calls for reform reflect persistent geopolitical tensions challenging the international system. The UN's effectiveness is being questioned amid its inability to address global conflicts. The selection of the next Secretary-General and potential Security Council changes are central to the discussions. The UN's credibility and ability to maintain its founding principles are at stake.
What is confirmed
- Calls for sweeping structural reform of the United Nations intensify as international leaders criticize the organization for failing to address ongoing global conflicts.
- Security Council changes remain a central demand as persistent geopolitical tensions challenge the international system.
- Candidates are currently vying to select the tenth Secretary-General while financial deficits and great-power rivalries strain the institution.
What to watch next
- The selection of the tenth Secretary-General
- Potential Security Council changes
- The UN's response to calls for structural reform
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
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Global Leaders Press for United Nations Reform Amid Crises
Calls for sweeping structural reform of the United Nations intensify as international leaders criticize the organization for failing to address ongoing global conflicts. Security Council changes remain a central demand as persistent geopolitical tensions challenge the international system. Candidates are currently vying to select the tenth Secretary-General while financial deficits and great-power rivalries strain the institution. Officials emphasize the necessity of structural renewal to restore institutional credibility and maintain the principles of the founding charter against unilateral actions.
Why it matters
The United Nations faces mounting pressure as critics highlight its inability to resolve crises in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned against unilateral actions and double standards during a Security Council meeting. Meanwhile, leadership transitions loom as contenders vie for the role of the tenth Secretary-General amid severe financial and political strain.
What is confirmed
- Calls for Security Council reform are growing as global crises persist.
Still unconfirmed
- Olara Otunnu released a detailed plan titled Reforming the United Nations: No Longer an Option; It Is an Imperative, arguing that structural changes are mandatory.
What to watch next
- Selection process updates for the tenth United Nations Secretary-General
- Further diplomatic proposals regarding Security Council reform
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- theconversation.com — What we talk about when we talk about US strategic ‘credibility’ – from Vietnam to Iran
- techrights.org — Links 07/11/2026: London's SLAPP Industry Now Targets Kirkenes (Northern Norway) at the Behest of Corrupt Thieves in Russia and Microsoft’s 'Buyout' Offer Crashes Microsoft ...
- www.timeslive.co.za — SUPRA MAHUMAPELO | The UN has failed on its promise: the case ...
- global.chinadaily.com.cn — China calls for defending UN Charter amid global challenges
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UN Reform Imperative as Secretary-General Search Continues
The United Nations faces an urgent need for reform as candidates vie to select the tenth Secretary-General. Olara Otunnu has released a detailed plan titled "Reforming the United Nations: No Longer an Option; It Is an Imperative," arguing that structural changes are now mandatory. This push for renewal follows widespread condemnation from world leaders over the organization's failure to act on crises in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, alongside systemic pressures from financial deficits and great-power rivalries.
Why it matters
The UN was established during World War II to manage global challenges. While it has coordinated responses to health crises like COVID-19, its current ability to organize collective action is questioned.
What is confirmed
- Olara Otunnu is a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations.
- The United Nations is preparing to select its tenth Secretary-General.
What to watch next
- The selection of the tenth UN Secretary-General
- The formal adoption or rejection of Otunnu's reform measures
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.aljazeera.com — United Nations | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
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UN Faces Deepening Credibility Crisis Amid Global Conflicts
World leaders repeatedly condemned Israel's actions and global inaction regarding Gaza and the occupied West Bank during United Nations General Assembly speeches. Leaders including Guterres, Lula, and Erdogan addressed the crisis as the international organization prepares to select its tenth Secretary-General. The United Nations faces growing doubts about its ability to organize collective action due to unilateral decisions, great-power rivalry, competing international forums, and severe financial pressures.
Why it matters
The United Nations continues to struggle with multilateral cooperation as geopolitical tensions mount across multiple regions. Analysts and member states note that abandoning multilateralism would make collective responses even more difficult, despite systemic failures and intense criticism from world leaders. The selection process for the next Secretary-General occurs as trust in UN-led initiatives remains constrained.
What is confirmed
- Gaza and the occupied West Bank dominated UNGA speeches as leaders condemned Israel's actions and global inaction.
- UN leaders including Guterres, Lula, and Erdogan addressed the Gaza crisis.
- The United Nations is preparing to select its tenth Secretary-General.
- The UN's ability to organize collective action faces growing doubts due to unilateral decisions, great-power rivalry, competing international forums, and financial pressures.
What to watch next
- The official selection process for the tenth UN Secretary-General
- Further General Assembly resolutions regarding the Gaza crisis and regional conflicts
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (22)
- www.forbes.com — Download The Forbes App
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- transcripts.cnn.com — CNN Ranks 10 Senate Seats Most Likely to Flip in November; Macron: Non-Union Protests Prohibited Saturday; Marine Life Under Threa....
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UN Effectiveness Questioned as Member States Review Vetoes and Budgets
World leaders are challenging the efficacy of the United Nations following General Assembly debates. Member states are currently reviewing vetoes cast by the Russian Federation and China regarding Iran sanctions monitoring. To counter financial pressures, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposed a 3.3 billion dollar programme budget for next year. The organization seeks to modernize while managing the artificial intelligence race, climate disruption, and global warfare. African nations are simultaneously demanding more influence in global decision-making processes to address these systemic failures.
Why it matters
The UN faces a crisis of legitimacy as permanent Security Council members use vetoes to block sanctions monitoring. This gridlock occurs while the organization attempts to pivot toward modern threats like AI and climate change. Financial constraints are forcing budget cuts during this period of institutional instability.
What is confirmed
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposed a 3.3 billion dollar programme budget for the coming year.
- Member states are reviewing vetoes by China and the Russian Federation concerning sanctions monitoring on Iran.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the member state review regarding the Iran sanctions vetoes
- The final approval or rejection of the 3.3 billion dollar programme budget
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nytimes.com — The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and Videos
- www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk — The truth about the deal that changed Manchester - Manchester Evening News
- countercurrents.org — Learnings from Bangladesh History on how the life of over one million people and top leaders could have been saved | Countercurren....
- www.trend.az — Chronicles of Victory: President Ilham Aliyev interviewed by Russian TASS news agency on October 19, 2020 (PHOTO/VIDEO)
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UN General Assembly Debates Institutional Failure Amid Financial Strain
World leaders are questioning the effectiveness of the United Nations as high-level debates at the General Assembly conclude. Member states are reviewing recent vetoes by China and the Russian Federation concerning sanctions monitoring on Iran. African nations are calling for increased influence in global decision-making. Simultaneously, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed a reduced 3.3 billion dollar programme budget for the coming year to manage financial pressures while the organization attempts to modernize and address global warfare, climate disruption, and the artificial intelligence race.
Why it matters
The UN faces a crisis of legitimacy and funding while attempting to manage systemic global threats. Persistent deadlocks in the Security Council over sanctions hinder the organization's ability to enforce international law. These failures occur as member states demand a shift in power dynamics to better reflect current global demographics.
What is confirmed
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented a reduced 3.3 billion dollar programme budget proposal for next year.
- China and the Russian Federation issued vetoes regarding sanctions monitoring on Iran.
- African nations have demanded larger roles in global decision-making.
What to watch next
- The final approval or rejection of the 3.3 billion dollar programme budget
- Formal proposals for the modernization of the Security Council voting structure
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
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- www.noemamag.com — An Inside Look At How To Tame Unstoppable AI - NOEMA ,Noema Magazine
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United Nations Debates Relevance Amid Security Council Vetoes and Budget Cuts
World leaders at the United Nations General Assembly addressed the institution's effectiveness as high-level debates concluded their fifth day. Speakers reviewed recent vetoes by China and the Russian Federation regarding sanctions monitoring on Iran, while African nations demanded larger roles in global decision-making. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented a reduced 3.3 billion dollar programme budget proposal for next year. Governments continue to confront mounting global crises including the artificial intelligence race, climate disruption, and ongoing warfare, even as the international organization faces financial pressures and demands for fundamental modernization.
Why it matters
The United Nations faces intense scrutiny from member states questioning its operational relevance in a modern era. Past friction includes the United States withholding peacekeeping funds and withdrawing from specific agencies. Concurrently, new geopolitical tensions and technological advances like artificial intelligence challenge the post-1945 governing structures.
What is confirmed
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented a 3.3 billion dollar programme budget proposal for next year, marking a cut of 40.8 million dollars.
- China and the Russian Federation recently cast vetoes concerning a Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring UN sanctions on Iran.
- African countries took the stage during the General Assembly high-level debate to call for a stronger role for their continent in UN decision-making and the global economy.
Still unconfirmed
- Discussions regarding artificial intelligence in the General Assembly highlighted the potential for lethal catastrophe alongside digital opportunities.
What to watch next
- Further General Assembly votes or resolutions addressing Security Council veto reform.
- Implementation or negotiation status of the proposed 3.3 billion dollar UN budget.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- press.un.org — Plenary | UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
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Global Leaders Criticize United Nations Inefficacy and Pressure for Reform
Governments are pressing the United Nations to reform and reflect a modern world, following debates at the General Assembly in New York. Member states raised concerns over whether the institution can remain relevant while acting like the organization formed in 1945. Meanwhile, the international body faces severe financial strain and pressure to restore its influence. The United States under the Trump administration refused to pay peacekeeping obligations and pulled out from several agencies, contributing to the financial crisis. Leaders also voiced determinations to address emerging global threats like artificial intelligence independently.
Why it matters
The United Nations faces severe pressure to restore its influence and adapt to a changing global order. Financial instability stems directly from the United States withholding peacekeeping obligations and withdrawing from multiple agencies. Member states are openly debating whether the aging institution can survive without deep structural changes.
What is confirmed
- The United States refused to pay its peacekeeping obligations and pulled out from several agencies under the Trump administration.
- Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly and accused the institution of causing more problems than it solved.
- Governments pressed the United Nations during the General Assembly to reform so that it no longer looks and acts like the organization formed in 1945.
Still unconfirmed
- The next United Nations secretary-general will take charge of an institution on the brink of financial collapse.
What to watch next
- Decisions by member states regarding political and financial support for UN peacekeeping operations.
- Actions taken by the incoming UN secretary-general to address institutional influence and financial challenges.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- press.un.org — | UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Trump rails against U.N. at General Assembly opening
- www.wionews.com — Is United Nations on brink of collapse? Guterres issues stark ...
- www.africanews.com — A new UN Chief, an old institution and a world in crisis
- english.aawsat.com — Netanyahu, 'Dodging Responsibility,' Battles the Curses of October 7
- www.globalissues.org — Reform, or lose trust: Governments press the UN to reflect ...
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- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — UN-doing the United Nations: Can its next chief fix a system under severe strain?
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- www.ungeneva.org — News items | The United Nations Office at Geneva
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Global frustration with the UN grows amid financial woes and reform demands
World leaders at the UN General Assembly expressed frustration with the organization's effectiveness. The institution faces financial collapse due to delinquent US dues. Demands for Security Council reforms, including permanent seats for Africa and island nations, are growing. Conflicting visions for the international order are emerging from major powers like China, India, and the US.
Why it matters
The UN's inability to address global challenges has sparked criticism from world leaders. The organization's financial struggles and lack of reform have raised concerns about its future. The US, China, and India are pushing for different visions of the international order, adding to the tensions. The UN's effectiveness is being questioned as it struggles to address pressing global issues.
What is confirmed
- The UN faces an imminent financial collapse due to delinquent dues from the US administration.
- Demands have grown for permanent Security Council seats for Africa and island nations threatened by climate change.
- Major powers like China, India, and the US offer conflicting visions for the international order.
Still unconfirmed
- The US administration's delinquent dues have contributed significantly to the UN's financial struggles.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the US presidential election and its impact on US-UN relations
- The UN's response to growing demands for Security Council reform
- The effect of the UN's financial struggles on its ability to address global challenges
confidence 75%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.bbc.com — World | Latest News & Updates | BBC News
- apnews.com — World News: Top & Breaking World News Today | AP News
- www.cnn.com — World news - breaking news, video, headlines and opinion | CNN
- www.nytimes.com — World News
- www.cbsnews.com — World news: Latest news, breaking news, today's news stories from...
- www.foxnews.com — World News Today Updates & Daily Headlines | Fox News
- en.wikipedia.org — World - Wikipedia
- world-monitor.com — World Monitor — Live world map of news, markets, conflicts ...
- newsroom.co.nz — Blinder or blowout? Newsroom’s debate takeaways
- www.worldatlas.com — World Map / World Atlas / Atlas of the World Including Geography...
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UNGA 81 Highlights Institutional Failure and Funding Crisis
World leaders at the 81st UN General Assembly expressed a shared conclusion that the organization is failing despite a desire for it to work. Tensions peaked as President Donald Trump used his speech to threaten to "annihilate" Iran and "drive them into hell." The institution faces an imminent financial collapse, with the U.S. administration currently delinquent on dues. Meanwhile, demands have grown for permanent Security Council seats for Africa and island nations threatened by climate change, as powers like China, India, and the U.S. offer conflicting visions for the international order.
Why it matters
The UN was designed for multilateralism to prevent military bullying and maintain peace. A widening gap now exists between these goals and the actual capacity of the institution to address global security pressures. This dysfunction is exacerbated by a regulatory vacuum regarding artificial intelligence.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026.
- President Donald Trump has reached an accord with tech executives to implement AI controls including audits and cybersecurity measures.
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Member States of an imminent financial collapse of the United Nations.
- Leaders at the UN General Assembly have called for permanent seats for Africa and climate-threatened island nations.
- The UN Secretariat may need to reduce its regular budget expenditure by 15 percent in 2026, potentially cutting 2,600 staff.
Still unconfirmed
- The Trump administration is delinquent on UN dues while 141 other countries are fully paid up.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian is conducting negotiations with the United States that may test his political balance in Iran.
- President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping recently met and discussed Taiwan.
What to watch next
- The outcome of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding President Pezeshkian's balancing act.
- Whether the UN Secretariat implements the 15 percent budget reduction and staff cuts.
- Formal proposals for expanding permanent Security Council membership to include African nations.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- www.iranintl.com — Pezeshkian straddles Iran’s divide at UN as US talks test balance
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — How Taiwan’s ‘silicon shield’ has kept it safe from China, indispensable to US in age of AI
- www.straitstimes.com — Trump releases AI accord with tech executives on safety controls
- www.aa.com.tr — Morning Briefing: Sept. 26, 2026
- www.dailynews.com — We're in this together, leaders told each other at the UN ...
- www.ibtimes.co.in — UNGA 81: World leaders clash over a changing global order as calls grow for UN reform - IBTimes India
- www.cbsnews.com — Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sept. 27, 2026 - CBS News
- www.globalpolicy.org — How the UN funding crisis will worsen in 2026 | Global Policy ...
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- www.yahoo.com — Transcript: Brett McGurk on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Oct. 4, 2026
- www.hindustantimes.com — We are in this together, Earth's leaders told each other at ...
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World Leaders Criticize UN Failures Amid Global Crises
Global leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly face mounting frustration over the institution's inability to resolve ongoing wars and regional security crises. Critics argue that the exclusive Security Council membership held by the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom fails to deliver international peace. Consequently, the spread of global conflict has intensified demands to expand the council. Meanwhile, governments across major powers struggle to keep pace with rapid artificial intelligence advancements, creating a widening regulatory policy vacuum.
Why it matters
The annual United Nations gathering frequently exposes deep divisions among major international powers over diplomatic standoffs and active military conflicts. While the formal sessions face familiar gripes regarding institutional shortcomings, the assembly's true value often resides in the diplomatic encounters it facilitates behind the scenes. This ongoing friction highlights the structural challenges facing multilateral governance in an era of technological disruption.
What is confirmed
- The spread of war has revived calls for the United Nations Security Council membership to expand beyond the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.
- Regulatory and oversight capabilities in the United States, China, the European Union, and elsewhere are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technology.
Still unconfirmed
- President Trump made triumphant and gushing self-praise claims about Iran, the Middle East, and Ukraine during his United Nations speech.
What to watch next
- Formal proposals or votes regarding the expansion of the United Nations Security Council membership
- New regulatory frameworks or oversight policies introduced by governments to address artificial intelligence technology
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.inquirer.com — In his U.N. speech, Trump’s gushing self-praise could not disguise his foreign policy failures
- news.sbs.co.kr — Governments Fail to Keep Pace with AI, Widening Policy Vacuum
- monocle.com — The United Nations General Assembly’s true value lies in the encounters that it facilitates - Monocle
- www.tovima.com — World Leaders Almost All Agree on One Thing: The U.N. Is ...
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World Leaders Renew Push to Reform United Nations Amid Global Conflicts
World leaders are intensifying calls to reform the United Nations as the spread of global conflict highlights the institution's shortcomings. Growing frustration centers on the exclusive grip that the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom maintain over the Security Council. Critics argue the current framework fails to deliver peace and security, fueling demands to expand council membership. Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly opened with sharp divisions over ongoing wars, regional security crises, and diplomatic standoffs involving major international powers.
Why it matters
Calls to alter the structure of the United Nations recur frequently during periods of heightened international tension. The permanent five members of the Security Council hold veto power, which often paralyzes decision-making during major geopolitical crises. Expanding membership aims to give a stronger voice to underrepresented regions, though structural reforms face immense political hurdles.
What is confirmed
- The Security Council membership currently consists of the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.
- The spread of war has revived calls to expand the membership of the United Nations Security Council.
What to watch next
- Formal proposals or votes regarding United Nations Security Council expansion
- Further diplomatic responses from permanent council members regarding structural changes
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Trump rejects 7-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz
- tribuneonlineng.com — The People’s Republic: How they rule - Tribune Online
- www.jpost.com — Trump denounces Iran as 'terror regime behaving badly,' during UNGA address
- www.rev.com — 2026 United Nations General Assembly Day One | Rev
- flipboard.com — World Leaders Almost All Agree on One Thing: The U.N. Is Failing
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Global Leaders and Experts Signal United Nations Crisis
World leaders and international experts increasingly view the United Nations as a failing institution. While some describe it as a useful global stage rather than a world government, others argue the organization is broken or facing a crisis. Current debates center on whether the UN can remain relevant or survive future challenges as major powers increasingly act unilaterally. Despite these failures, some perspectives maintain that the organization is more necessary than ever, though the current structure is widely seen as inadequate for delivering peace and security.
Why it matters
The UN was designed to prevent global conflict and foster international cooperation. Its perceived inability to stop ongoing conflicts and the rise of unilateralism by powerful nations have led to questions about its future. The organization currently struggles to balance its role as a diplomatic forum with its mandate to maintain security.
What is confirmed
- World leaders express varying views on the ability of the UN to deliver peace and security.
- Experts state the UN faces a crisis as major powers act unilaterally.
- The UN General Assembly is currently meeting to discuss its effectiveness.
Still unconfirmed
- World leaders almost all agree that the UN is failing.
- The United Nations is broken.
- Most countries need the UN but not in its current form.
What to watch next
- Evidence of multilateral agreements replacing unilateral actions by major powers.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (11)
- vox.com — The United Nations looks broken. Is it?
- WSJ — World Leaders Almost All Agree on One Thing: The U.N. Is Failing
- UnHerd — The United Nations: a useful failure It’s a global stage, not a world government
- Reuters — NEWSLETTER: Can the UN remain relevant?
- NPR — The United Nations General Assembly is meeting. Is it accomplishing anything?
- GZERO Media — Can the UN survive what comes next?
- The Guardian — The Guardian view on the future of the UN: more embattled, but more necessary, than ever
- Al Jazeera — As major powers act unilaterally, experts say UN faces crisis in New York
- NPR — Does the UN have a future?
- UN Meetings Coverage and Press Releases — As Ongoing Conflicts Produce Ripple Effects Far Beyond National Borders, World Leaders at High-level Debate Offer Varying Takes on UN’s Ability to Deliver Peace, Security
- The Economist — Most countries need the UN more than ever—just not this UN
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