United Nations reform must protect sexual and reproductive health and rights

The 1945 charter that created the United Nations begins with a promise to save future generations from war, reaffirm human rights, and promote social progress.1 Eighty years later, this pledge is languishing: global conflict, waning financial and political commitments to international cooperation, and a growing anti-rights movement have put the multilateralism at the core of the UN’s mandate in grave danger.2 All of these forces threaten the health of the world’s population, in particular those affected by devastating backsliding on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).The gathering of 193 country representatives in New York for the 2026 UN General Assembly (UNGA) this September sees several major political and institutional developments converging: the election of the next UN secretary general, the ongoing policy impact of Donald Trump’s second US presidency, and the UN80 reform initiative that is proposing to merge institutions dedicated to SRHR. The 2026 General Assembly is hugely…