After World War II, delegates from 50 countries, representing 90% of the world's population, gathered in San Francisco to found the United Nations. Today, the UN's core budget exceeds $3.6 billion (€3 billion), while agencies like the World Food Program, UNHCR and WHO rely on voluntary contributions. US support has declined in recent years, with funding cuts and withdrawals from agencies.

As world leaders gather for the latest UN General Assembly under the theme "Better Together," deep divisions are evident. The Security Council remains deadlocked on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.