We Must Build Reform Capacity into the UN’s Operating System to Break the Cycle of Empty UN Reforms

So far, the UN is not equipped to address these deficits institutionally. Reform remains episodic—dependent on the priorities of a particular Secretary-General or on moments of political momentum—rather than supported by standing systems able to carry change forward. The Organization lacks reform capacity: the ability to sustain improvement once attention shifts elsewhere. The real test for UN80 is whether it can weave that capacity into the UN’s operating fabric.