Oxfam America has warned that the United Nations is facing severe financial and political pressure as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The warning comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with Oxfam accusing his administration of weakening multilateral cooperation through aid cuts, foreign policy decisions and reduced support for the UN.
In a statement, Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman said the UN was confronting mounting challenges at a time when humanitarian needs were increasing.
She said cuts to US humanitarian and development assistance had forced UN agencies to make difficult decisions about communities affected by hunger, disease and poverty.
Maxman also argued that recent US payments to the UN remained far below the levels of previous US contributions.
She further criticised the Trump administration’s foreign policy, alleging that its use of military force and actions abroad had contributed to uncertainty over international law and the global security order.
According to her, the administration’s approach to international relations was also at odds with its portrayal of President Trump as a “peace president” and “dealmaker.”
Gaza and global conflicts
Oxfam also raised concerns about the situation in Gaza, linking its criticism to continued US military support for Israel and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
The organisation said the US administration’s announcement of another major arms sale to Israel had come as several countries announced restrictive measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Oxfam also criticised the handling of the Gaza ceasefire, arguing that it had failed to deliver lasting peace.
The organisation said the developments demonstrated the need for renewed international cooperation on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and respect for international law.
Call for renewed UN commitment
With the selection of a new UN Secretary-General approaching, Maxman called on the United States to strengthen its engagement with the United Nations.
She urged Washington to pay what Oxfam described as its fair share of UN funding and work with other countries to address inequality, poverty and insecurity through multilateral cooperation.
The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The General Debate runs from September 22 to 26 and resumes on September 28.
The UN says the session is taking place against a range of interconnected global challenges, with leaders expected to discuss peace and security, sustainable development, climate action and the future of global cooperation. Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the High-Level Week in person.
Oxfam said its participation in UNGA81 would focus on UN reform, gender and rights, climate justice, humanitarian action, conflict prevention and economic justice.
The organisation said it would use the session to press governments to take concrete action on global inequality, humanitarian crises, climate change and other challenges that require international cooperation.
