On July 24, 2025, an Extraordinary Staff Union meeting was held in Geneva, attended by nearly 600 UN staff members from the UN Office. The meeting was a significant one, passing a unanimous motion of no confidence in the UN80 reform initiative, the Secretary General António Guterres, and Under Secretary General Guy Ryder – with not a single abstention or dissenting voice. This bold move by the UN staff is a reflection of the deep-rooted dissatisfaction and disappointment with the current affairs of the organization.
As the world watches the tragic events unfolding in Gaza, with the city being flattened under intense bombings, the UN’s failure to take decisive action and make a real difference has not gone unnoticed. The organization, which was established with the noble goal of promoting peace, cooperation, and international understanding, seems to have lost its footing. The lackluster response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza is just one of the many examples of the UN’s ineffectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
The UN80 reform initiative, which was launched with much fanfare, promised to revitalize the organization and make it more efficient and effective. However, four years down the line, it is evident that the initiative has failed to deliver its promises. Instead, it has created chaos and confusion within the organization, leading to demotivated and frustrated staff members.
The motion of no confidence passed by the UN staff in Geneva is a wake-up call for the UN leadership to take urgent action to rectify the situation. The overwhelming support for the motion indicates that the staff is not just dissatisfied but also united in its demand for real change. It is a sign of their unwavering commitment to the noble cause of the UN and their determination to restore its credibility and relevance.
The motion of no confidence is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action. It is a call for the UN leadership to listen to the voices of its staff and implement tangible reforms that will help the organization live up to its ideals. The current state of the world demands a stronger, more efficient, and more proactive UN – one that can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by conflicts, disasters, and other global challenges.
It is time for the UN leadership to take a hard look at itself and acknowledge its shortcomings. The organization cannot afford to continue with business as usual. It needs bold and visionary leadership that can navigate through the complex global landscape and provide meaningful solutions to the world’s pressing issues.
Moreover, the motion of no confidence is also a reflection of the frustration and concern of the UN staff regarding the leadership of Secretary General António Guterres and Under Secretary General Guy Ryder. The lack of leadership and action on their part has contributed to the overall dissatisfaction with the organization.
The UN staff in Geneva has set an example for the rest of the world by standing up together and making their voices heard. It is now up to the UN leadership to act on this call for change and restore the trust and confidence of its stakeholders. The world looks up to the UN as a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity, and it is high time that it lives up to these expectations.
In conclusion, the unanimous motion of no confidence passed by the UN staff in Geneva is a clear message to the UN leadership – the staff is not satisfied, and it demands real change. The organization cannot afford to continue with its current state of affairs, and it is the responsibility of its leaders to take immediate and meaningful action. The time for reform is now, and the UN must rise to the occasion and fulfill its noble mission of promoting peace and international cooperation.
