US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States will continue to prioritise its national interest, while arguing that the international system requires reform.
Speaking to reporters in New York on Wednesday (23 Sep) on the sidelines of the 18th UN General Assembly, Marco Rubio said “he international system is not in good shape right now” and questioned the effectiveness of existing international institutions.
“The number one obligation of every government is the national interest of their country,” Rubio said, adding that the US would “never put the international order above the interest of the United States.”
Rubio said the United Nations had “tremendous potential” but argued it was “not living up to it”, claiming the system had expanded beyond its intended role and struggled to resolve major conflicts.
The remarks reflect a broader debate over the effectiveness and future direction of the international system. During the 81st UN General Assembly, several leaders highlighted concerns over global governance, institutional reform and the ability of multilateral organisations to respond to modern challenges.
However, Dr Khalilur Rahman, President of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session, noted that criticism of the United Nations is not new, recalling that questions over its relevance and ability to adapt have existed for decades.
As the United Nations prepares for a leadership transition, with António Guterres’ second term as UN Secretary-General due to end on 31 December 2026, the next Secretary-General will face the challenge of balancing calls for reform with efforts to preserve the role of multilateral cooperation. The transition comes amid wider debates over how international institutions should adapt to a changing global order.
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