UN losing support from countries, says outgoing top official

The UN's outgoing political chief expressed concern today in a parting message that the United Nations was losing support from a growing number of countries.

Jeffrey Feltman, an American who served as under-secretary-general for political affairs since 2012, said it was "quite worrying" that leaders were questioning the value of the United Nations.

"I do leave here concerned about making sure that we maintain in addition to the excellent leadership we have... that we maintain member-state support," said Feltman.

There are "an increasing number of leaders, increasing number of countries that are questioning whether the multinational system that this organization represents is the right way forward, is the answer," he said.

His remarks were directed in part at the United States where President Donald Trump has cut funding to the world body and his new national security adviser John Bolton has expressed skepticism about the UN's work.

Feltman described the United Nations as a "force multiplier" in addressing issues including terrorism and climate change that concern US national interests and those of other countries.

"We need to show that we can be effective," he said in a farewell press conference.

Feltman, who oversaw UN efforts to end conflicts worldwide, said Syria "remains the most tragic example of the failures of the international community to address a peace-and-security, humanitarian and human rights catastrophe."
Despite signs that the United States is opting for diplomacy on North Korea, Feltman said it was "important to manage expectations."