Key Takeaways from FPT Monthly Discussion on Reforming the UN: Where Do We Start?
On 31 October 2026, Foreign Policy Talks successfully convened its Monthly Discussion in recognition of UN Month, featuring Jack Huang, Senior Consultant to the United Nations and former researcher for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Calvin Khoe, Conference Director at the Conference on Indonesian Foreign Policy.
Moderated by Venus Janelle Samonte, Board Member of Foreign Policy Talks, the discussion explored the future of the United Nations amid growing questions surrounding its effectiveness, legitimacy, and capacity to address global challenges. With a new Secretary-General set to assume office in 2027, the conversation examined the priorities for institutional reform and how the organisation can remain relevant and representative in an evolving international order.
One of the central theme throughout the discussion was the political limitations of international organisations. Jack and Calvin emphasised that the UN's effectiveness ultimately depends on the willingness of its member states to cooperate. As middle powers increasingly redirect financial and political support towards smaller, more agile multilateral institutions, the UN faces growing pressure to deliver more tangible outcomes and overcome bureaucratic constraints.
The discussion also examined the persistent deadlock surrounding UN Security Council reform. Although there is broad recognition that its structure no longer reflects contemporary global power dynamics, middle powers continue to struggle to agree on concrete reform proposals. The challenge is therefore not merely institutional, but fundamentally political, reflecting competing interests and disagreements over representation and the distribution of power.
Regional organisations offer another avenue for strengthening multilateral cooperation, although their potential remains uneven. The ASEAN–UN relationship, for instance, is built on shared principles and high-level agreements, yet concrete strategic planning and implementation remain limited. Furthermore, regional organisations possess vastly different institutional capacities, making it difficult to establish a consistent framework for regional contributions to global governance.
The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of accountability beyond governments. Private actors increasingly shape global challenges, particularly in areas such as carbon emissions and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the fragmentation of technology industries and supply chains present new challenges for international cooperation. The UN's ability to establish effective AI governance frameworks and prevent technological competition from deepening global divisions will be an important test of its relevance in the twenty-first century.
Looking ahead, the discussion underscored that the future of the UN will depend on more than its incoming Secretary-General. The 2027 leadership transition presents an opportunity to address political deadlock, strengthen cooperation with regional institutions, and adapt to emerging global challenges. Ultimately, meaningful reform requires confronting the realities of international power while ensuring that the UN remains capable of delivering effective, representative, and accountable global governance.
Foreign Policy Talks extends its sincere appreciation to Jack Huang, Calvin Khoe, Venus Janelle Samonte, and all participants for contributing to an insightful discussion. As the United Nations approaches a new leadership transition, the dialogue offered valuable perspectives on the political and institutional challenges of reform, and the importance of ensuring that multilateral cooperation remains effective, representative, and responsive to the evolving international order.
For further engagement with the subject matter, readers are encouraged to explore Jack Huang's work on international governance and Calvin Khoe's upcoming November initiative at the Conference on Indonesian Foreign Policy.
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