India, Sept. 23 -- At a time when multilateralism is being tested like never before, the United Nations faces a formidable challenge: Dwindling funding for its vast network of programmes and missions. The UN has long been the bedrock of global cooperation, advancing causes ranging from peacekeeping and humanitarian relief to sustainable development and climate action. Yet, recent years have witnessed an unsettling pattern: member states have delayed or reduced their contributions, private donations have plateaued, and new crises continue to emerge faster than resources can be mobilised. The result is a growing gap between the UN's mandates and its means. This funding shortfall threatens not just the functioning of the UN but also the stab...