Think of it as Davos for diplomats. But the UN itself is a victim of chronic malaise, owing above all to the resurgence of great-power rivalry. I doubt anyone would design the Security Council, the most important UN organ, in a way that resembles its current iteration. Events this past week did not help matters, as several countries, including France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, chose to use the annual UN opening as an opportunity to recognise a Palestinian state. I concluded my commentary five years ago with the following words: “The case for multilateralism and global governance is stronger than ever.