As the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York, the world’s attention is fixed on critical issues ranging from the election of the next Secretary-General to escalating humanitarian crises. In a powerful address on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “cracks have become canyons” as humanity faces four defining tests of power: war and peace, inequality, climate change, and artificial intelligence. These challenges, he said, will determine whether the world moves toward a new era of cooperation or deeper division. The speech underscored the urgent need for renewed multilateralism at a time when global solidarity is fraying.nnAmid these broader concerns, a coalition of governments and institutions is urging member states to treat the upcoming election of the next Secretary-General as a pivotal reform opportunity. “Electing a Secretary-General who will treat this as a priority — not as a peripheral concern — is an important step member states can take this week,” the coalition stated. They are calling on governments to prioritize three key actions: setting high standards for the candidates they support, securing commitments before they take office, and maintaining accountability once they do. A central demand is for the next Secretary-General to integrate the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism — already adopted by more than 40 governments and major international institutions — into the UN’s understanding and response to antisemitism in all its contemporary forms. At least 32 countries have already created special envoy positions to combat antisemitism, and the coalition argues that the UN must follow suit.nnMeanwhile, the UN continues to grapple with pressing humanitarian emergencies. In Yemen, worsening hostilities have forced more people to flee their homes, further intensifying a crisis that the UN Refugee Agency warns is spiraling. In many countries, millions of children are returning to schools that still lack clean water, usable toilets, and basic handwashing facilities — a stark reminder of the unmet promises of the Sustainable Development Goals. These crises highlight the dual imperative facing the UN: addressing immediate suffering while reforming its own leadership and priorities for a more effective future.nnAs the General Assembly unfolds, the coming days will be decisive. The election of a new Secretary-General offers a rare chance to reshape the organization’s approach to antis
Shimanta Das 
