The future of the United Nations (UN) in 2025 and World War for Authoritative Dominance over Resources
The UN is facing a critical juncture as it approaches 2025, requiring adaptation to address current global challenges and ensure its continued relevance.
UN Secretary-General’s Message The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for global unity to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable, and healthy future. He encourages the world to make 2025 a new beginning as nations united.
International Year of Cooperatives The UN has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, which aims to raise awareness of the cooperative business model and its role in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Third UN Ocean Conference The Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) will convene in Nice, France, to generate action and solutions for ocean conservation, supported by ocean science and funding for SDG 14 (life below water).
UN Development Program The UN Development Program (UNDP) will be accompanying countries towards the SDGs through country programs, driven by national development choices, with poverty eradication at their core. The UNDP intends to work with partners to deliver what’s required in these extraordinary times.
Anniversaries In 2025, the UNDP marks its 60th anniversary, and the UN marks its 80th year of existence. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change both mark their 10th anniversaries.
AI Governance Action on global AI governance will come into sharper focus as countries balance the need for international cooperation with national interests.
Challenges and Reforms:
Geopolitical Tensions Fraying geopolitical relations and resource gaps are reducing the UN’s influence.
North-South Divide The divide between richer Northern nations and developing Southern nations persists, influencing views on the UN’s role and structure.
Security Council Reform There have been numerous calls for the UN Security Council’s membership to be increased to improve the effectiveness and decision-making process within the UNSC.
Climate Change Recent studies have suggested institutional reforms to enhance the integration of ecological concerns in UN decision-making processes.
Differentiated Universality The principle of differentiated universality provides a helpful heuristic for rethinking the roles and functions of the UN development system. Sustainable development support should be provided to all member states, irrespective of development or income levels, combined with a tailored approach that takes countries’ persisting economic and institutional capacities, as well as context-specific requirements, into account.
The future of the United Nations (UN) in 2025 will largely depend on global political dynamics, power struggles, and international cooperation. Some key trends that could define the UN’s role include:
1. Geopolitical Fragmentation & Weakening Influence
The UN has faced increasing criticism for being ineffective in resolving major conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, etc.).
Rising tensions between China, Russia, and the West could limit its ability to act as a neutral mediator.
The U.S. and European nations may continue to shift focus toward regional alliances like NATO, ASEAN, and AUKUS rather than relying on the UN.
2. Reforming or Declining?
Calls for reform (expanding the UN Security Council, reducing veto power) may gain traction.
If no reforms occur, the UN could lose relevance, becoming more symbolic than functional.
3. The Role of AI & Cybersecurity in Global Governance
AI-driven warfare and cyber threats will force the UN to focus more on digital diplomacy and global cybersecurity agreements.
Nations may push for UN-backed treaties on AI-based military technology.
World War for Authoritative Dominance over Resources
If global tensions escalate, a resource-driven world war could emerge due to:
1. Energy & Resource Conflicts
Oil & Gas: The fight for control over the Middle East, Arctic reserves, and Africa’s untapped energy resources.
Water Scarcity: Nations like China, India, and Egypt could clash over water access (e.g., the Nile, Brahmaputra).
Lithium & Rare Earths: The U.S.-China struggle over supply chains for green energy and semiconductors.
2. Potential War Triggers
U.S.-China rivalry over Taiwan and Pacific dominance.
Russia-NATO conflicts in Eastern Europe.
Middle East & Africa resource struggles leading to proxy wars.
3. Role of AI & Cyberwarfare
Nations may prioritize cyberattacks, economic warfare, and AI-driven military strategies over traditional combat.
4. UN’s Role in Conflict Prevention?
The UN may attempt mediation, but power blocs (China-Russia vs. U.S.-EU) may override its authority.
If the UN fails to prevent war, it may become obsolete or replaced by new alliances.
Final Thought: War or Multipolar Order?
The future will either see:
Multipolar Diplomacy: A shift towards a multi-power world (China, U.S., EU, Russia, India, etc.) cooperating under a reformed UN.
Conflict & Chaos: A breakdown of global order, leading to resource wars, AI-driven conflicts, and economic collapses.
The UN in 2025
In 2025, the UN is focusing on several key initiatives:
Second World Summit for Social Development: The UN General Assembly will convene the “Second World Summit for Social Development” to address gaps in social justice, solidarity, and equality. This summit aims to renew commitments from the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development is scheduled for February 10-14, 2025, at the UN Headquarters.
UN Pact for the Future: Adopted in September, the Pact for the Future is a 40-page document with 56 actions aimed at strengthening multilateralism. These actions span sustainable development, peace and security, science and technology, digital cooperation, youth, future generations, human rights, and global governance. The UN considers this pact its “most comprehensive agreement in many years”.
UN-Energy Plan of Action Towards 2025: This plan guides UN-Energy’s activities to accelerate action in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The plan focuses on accelerating action, catalyzing partnerships, growing momentum, informing the global agenda, and tracking/sharing results.
Global Economic Growth Forecast: The UN forecasts global economic growth at 2.8% in 2025, with inflation expected to drop to 3.4%. This projection anticipates slight growth improvements for less developed countries, but overall slower global growth compared to the pre-pandemic average. Positive, but slower, growth is expected for China and the United States, with modest recoveries in the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom, alongside strong performance in large developing economies such as India and Indonesia.
Secretary-General António Guterres has called for 2025 to be a “new beginning” where nations unite. He has also stressed the importance of countries working together to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy in 2025.
Resource Wars
Competition for limited natural resources may intensify, potentially leading to confrontations and migration.
Growing Demand: Increasing population and economic growth are driving demand for energy, minerals, and water. Energy demand is projected to grow significantly by 2030, and the consumption of resources could triple between now and 2050.
Water Scarcity: Water scarcity could escalate conflicts between countries.
Arctic Development: Melting ice in the Arctic is accelerating resource exploitation, potentially leading to a “cold war” over resources like gas, oil, and rare-earth metals.
Geopolitical Implications: Climate change and the clean energy transition are becoming increasingly intertwined with geopolitics. Competition for green technologies and trade may intensify, leading to trade disputes and disrupted supply chains. Sectors like solar energy, electric vehicles, and batteries could become flashpoints for geopolitical tension.
2025 is a landmark year for the UN, marking its 80th anniversary and a critical juncture for its future. Several key events will shape the organization’s trajectory:
Second World Summit for Social Development: This summit in Qatar will re-evaluate global social development goals and recommit to the principles of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration. It offers a chance to address persistent inequalities and align social progress with the UN’s 2030 Agenda.
UN Ocean Conference: Held in Nice, France, this conference will address the urgent need to protect our oceans. Discussions will focus on combating climate change, pollution, and unsustainable resource use to ensure the health of marine ecosystems.
International Conference on Financing for Development: In Seville, Spain, this conference will tackle the critical issue of financing for sustainable development. It aims to reform the global financial architecture to better address current challenges and secure the necessary funding to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These events highlight the UN’s focus on sustainable development, social progress, and global cooperation. However, the organization faces significant challenges:
Geopolitical tensions: Rising tensions between major powers could hinder the UN’s ability to achieve consensus and effectively address global issues.
Resource constraints: The UN relies on member-state contributions, and funding shortfalls can limit its capacity to implement programs and initiatives.
Reform needs: Many argue that the UN’s structure and processes need reform to better reflect the current global landscape and address emerging challenges.
Despite these challenges, the UN remains a vital platform for international cooperation. In 2025, the organization has the opportunity to:
Reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism: The UN can play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations to address shared challenges.
Strengthen its partnerships: Collaboration with governments, civil society, and the private sector is essential to achieving the SDGs and other global goals.
Embrace innovation: The UN can leverage technology and new approaches to improve its effectiveness and impact.
World War for Authoritative Dominance over Resources: A Looming Threat?
The increasing scarcity of resources like water, energy, and critical minerals, coupled with climate change and geopolitical competition, raises concerns about potential conflicts. Some analysts predict resource wars as nations struggle for control over vital resources. However, this is not inevitable.
The UN can play a crucial role in preventing such conflicts by:
Promoting sustainable resource management: The UN can support initiatives that promote efficient and equitable use of resources, reducing scarcity and the potential for conflict.
Facilitating dialogue and cooperation: The UN can provide a platform for nations to discuss resource-related issues and find peaceful solutions to disputes.
Addressing the root causes of conflict: By working to alleviate poverty, promote development, and address climate change, the UN can help reduce the underlying causes of resource-related conflicts.
The future of the UN in 2025 and beyond will depend on its ability to adapt to a changing world, address global challenges, and promote peace and cooperation. While the threat of resource wars is real, the UN can play a crucial role in preventing them by fostering sustainable resource management, promoting dialogue, and addressing the root causes of conflict.
