The world is witnessing a period of institutional erosion that threatens global goals, including peace and justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. As multilateral cooperation weakens and international security frameworks falter, the future of sustainable development is at risk. Climate action, social progress, and economic stability depend on robust institutions and strong global leadership both of which appear increasingly fragile. Addressing these challenges is imperative to ensure a just and sustainable world.
The decline of global institutions and its impact on sustainability
The erosion of international commitments is accelerating, with institutions like the United Nations (UN), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) facing a crisis of legitimacy and funding. The United States, for example, currently owes the UN nearly $1.9 billion, including $862 million allocated for peacekeeping missions. With growing political instability, funding shortfalls, and rising geopolitical tensions, multilateral governance is at risk of further decline.
This institutional fragility has direct consequences for sustainability and climate action. Without strong global frameworks, commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) lose their effectiveness. Already, climate negotiations are stagnating, and financial support for environmental initiatives is shrinking. The risk of a policy vacuum threatens the global society's ability to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and transition to sustainable economies.
Economic inequality and global justice at stake
In 2023, 51% of countries with a lower Human Development Index (HDI) had yet to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels, while high-income nations had fully rebounded. This disparity underscores the growing economic inequality that institutions are struggling to address. The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, scheduled for 2025 in Seville, Spain, will be a critical moment to propose solutions.
One such proposal was Brazil’s attempt within the G20 framework to introduce an annual 2% tax on billionaires’ net wealth, targeting individuals with assets exceeding $1 billion. While this remains under debate, it highlights the urgent need for economic reform. However, political realities—especially with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House—suggest that efforts to close the wealth gap may face significant resistance.
The rising tide of political violence and weakened international justice
The weakening of legal institutions is paralleled by a rise in political violence. Since 2020, global conflict levels have doubled, increasing by 22% in the past year alone. Human rights violations, repression of opposition voices, and the deterioration of legal protections for marginalised communities are becoming more prevalent. Countries such as the United States, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Mexico, Mozambique, and Sudan have witnessed alarming trends of institutional dismantling, political assassinations, and crackdowns on civil liberties.
The ICC, a cornerstone of international justice, has also faced challenges. The arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have divided global opinion. Unlike previous cases, where international cooperation ensured compliance, geopolitical interests have rendered enforcement unlikely. The potential re-election of Trump could further weaken global accountability mechanisms, given his previous administration’s sanctions against the ICC and its officials.
Global shifts and the role of emerging powers
As traditional institutions falter, emerging global players are stepping into the void. The Global South is mobilising for greater representation in international governance. Africa is increasingly shaping a new multi-aligned world order, with countries such as India, Turkey, and Gulf states competing alongside Russia and China for influence. Meanwhile, Brazil is set to chair both the BRICS+ Summit and COP 30 in 2025, further reinforcing its role in global diplomacy.
In Asia, some de-escalation efforts offer a glimpse of hope. The withdrawal of troops from the China-India border, as well as the resumption of trilateral summits between South Korea, Japan, and China, signal potential steps toward regional stability. These developments illustrate that, despite global institutional challenges, diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation remain viable pathways toward peace.
The need for renewed commitment to sustainability and justice
The dismantling of international institutions poses severe risks for climate action, economic equality, and global peace. However, it also underscores the urgency for renewed global commitment. Strengthening multilateral frameworks, reinforcing legal institutions, and ensuring financial support for sustainability initiatives must remain high on the agenda.
Without robust institutions, achieving the UN Global Goals—including gender equality, climate resilience, and economic justice—will become increasingly difficult. Global cooperation and a commitment to science-driven policies will be essential to addressing these challenges.
The coming years will be decisive. Will global leaders rise to the occasion, or will the trend of institutional decline continue?
For more information on global efforts towards peace, justice, and sustainability, visit UN SDGs and CIDOB.