If 2017 is any indication, 2018 will similarly be a year of uncertainty, challenge, and opportunity on matters relating to international cooperation and global development. While it is impossible to know exactly what to expect, here are seven things I’ll be watching for in 2018:
1. Reforming the UN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres assumed his five-year term exactly one year ago, putting reform, prevention, and peace at the heart of his agenda. 2018 is anticipated to be a huge year for next steps on reform of the UN. Just before the holidays, the Secretary-General released his latest report on strengthening the development system, laying out concrete recommendations to help modernize various UN actors to more effectively deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This, along with the pillars of peace and security and UN management, will form the basis of the Secretary-General’s efforts in 2018 to make the UN more fit for purpose in an ever-changing world.
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