The United Nations faced a tumultuous year in 2024, marked by rising global hunger and a record number of humanitarian worker deaths. Vetoes from major powers like the United States and Russia paralyzed the Security Council’s ability to act, as accusations of hypocrisy emerged amidst escalating conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. UN Aid Chief Tom Fletcher described the year as catastrophic, with 400 million children affected by violence. As skepticism about the UN’s relevance grows, the prospect of a second Trump administration raises concerns about potential US withdrawal from UN agreements and reduced funding.