The current erosion of international norms and institutions is leaving the world dangerously exposed. 

Without bold change, the UN risks irrelevance and collapse at a moment when humanity most needs global cooperation. The architecture of the multilateral system must be reshaped to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and legitimacy.

In this policy position paper “Global cooperation in a fragmented world”,  the Elders set out a series of recommendations to make global institutions more effective and representative, focusing on global security, public goods, solidarity, respect for international law and greater inclusion of women, youth and marginalised groups. 

The answer is not to abandon multilateralism. The past 80 years show its value: preventing a third world war, eradicating smallpox, reducing poverty, and establishing human rights norms. The task now is overdue reform led by bold political leaders who can take the long view of the challenges facing the world and recognise the necessity of nations cooperating to address them.

Now is the time to reinforce what works and improve what does not.

Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate: 

“Our world faces a perilous set of existential threats. No single country can address climate change, nuclear weapons, pandemics or AI on its own. Cooperation is vital to ensure a sustainable future for humanity, and that means having a multilateral system that is fit for purpose and reflects the world of 2025, not 1945. As Elders we do not claim to have all the answers, but we hope our paper can stimulate debate at the upcoming UNGA High-Level Week.” 

Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP): 

“Reforming the multilateral system demands both idealism and practical proposals for action. From redesigning the UN architecture to addressing global common goods to embedding gender equality at every level in the system, we need an ambitious agenda to drive progress. The Elders believe there is no time to lose.”