Blog of previous attempts at UN mandate reform, challenges ahead, and practical reforms related to meetings and reports streamlining.

Suffering internal division and stymied by geopolitical bullying, the United Nations is facing a future of diminishing influence. As the organisation marks its 80th birthday, it's also dealing with a serious financial shortfall brought on by both China and the United States, its two biggest donors. Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has launched a major internal reform programme, but there are questions about whether his approach will rescue the global body or just cause further damage. Guests Associate Professor Chris Ogden — Director of Global Studies, University of Auckland Eugene Chen — Senior Fellow, Center on International Cooperation, New York University Richard Gowan — Director of UN Affairs, International Crisis Group Roland Rich — former Australian ambassador. Director of the United Nations and Global Policy Master of Arts program, Rutgers University