UN Expert Warns of Rising ‘World Disorder,’ Calls for Planet-Centred Development

The world stands at a crossroads marked by deepening crises—economic instability, environmental degradation, political division, and institutional paralysis. According to Surya Deva, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, humanity is witnessing an unprecedented "world disorder" that threatens the very foundations of peace, justice, and sustainable development.

Presenting his report to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Deva urged States to undertake a collective "course correction" towards what he described as a planet-centred participatory model of development, where human progress is pursued in harmony with the planet's ecosystems and shared responsibilities.

A Global Disorder Defined by Inequality and Impunity

Deva's report paints a sobering picture of a world in flux. He identified several interlinked trends contributing to the current global disorder: widening economic inequalities, the erosion of democratic institutions, geopolitical rivalries, disregard for international law, and the manipulation of human rights for political gain.

The Special Rapporteur pointed out that territorial violations, impunity for grave international crimes, unprincipled multilateralism, and corporate capture of states have eroded public trust in international governance. Adding to these woes are neo-colonial debt traps, private profiteering from armed conflicts, and the unregulated use of disruptive technologies, which have deepened divides both within and between nations.

"The international order is not simply under stress—it is being reshaped by forces of greed, misinformation, and exclusion," Deva warned. "A model of development that excludes or marginalises certain individuals or groups from enjoying the benefits of progress is anything but development."

A Call for a Planet-Centred Vision

Challenging the conventional human-centric development paradigm, Deva argued that real progress cannot be achieved if it comes at the expense of nature. He called for a planet-centred approach, which recognises that human beings, plants, and animals are part of an interdependent ecosystem. "Even plants and animals should not be left behind in the process of development," he said.

This holistic perspective aligns with the growing body of thought within the UN system that advocates integrating environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and social equity into all aspects of development policy. Deva stressed that the right to development must now be interpreted as a collective, ecological right—not just a human one.

Reforming Global Institutions for Inclusive Governance

A major focus of Deva's report is the institutional disorder plaguing the current international system. He noted that the United Nations Security Council, in particular, has failed to maintain peace and security due to its outdated and unrepresentative structure. The concentration of power among the permanent members has hindered timely and equitable responses to global crises.

"The failure of the Security Council to fulfil its mandate is directly linked to its unrepresentative character," he said, calling for urgent reform to make the Council more democratic and accountable.

Deva also emphasised the need to reform the international financial architecture, arguing that current systems perpetuate inequality and debt dependency rather than promoting equitable growth.

The Sevilla Commitment: Progress and Missed Opportunities

Deva's report included a critical assessment of the Sevilla Commitment, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. While he acknowledged it as a positive example of multilateral cooperation, he cautioned that implementation gaps and limited ambition have hampered its transformative potential.

"Despite the ongoing disorder, the consensual adoption of the Sevilla Commitment shows that States can still come together to address global challenges," Deva said. "I propose a roadmap beyond Sevilla to ensure that financing for development reaches the furthest behind first—while preserving harmony with nature."

A Roadmap for the Future

The roadmap outlined in Deva's report calls for a comprehensive overhaul of how development is financed and governed. Key recommendations include:

• Leveraging new sources of financing beyond traditional aid and loans.

• Tackling tax evasion and illicit financial flows to prevent the loss of vital public revenue.

• Delivering on debt relief to help developing countries escape neo-colonial debt traps.

• Promoting substantive gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable progress.

• Pursuing development within planetary boundaries to prevent ecological collapse.

• Fostering responsible business conduct and curbing corporate profiteering from conflict.

• Strengthening good governance and peacebuilding efforts globally.

• Reinforcing international cooperation to promote equity and solidarity.

Towards a Fair and Functional Global Order

Deva's vision for reform is rooted in hope, not despair. He believes that the current "world disorder" presents an opportunity to construct a new international order that is fair, inclusive, and fit for 21st-century challenges. Such an order, he said, must balance economic prosperity with ecological sustainability and uphold the universal right to development for both present and future generations.

"The international community must rise to the occasion," Deva concluded. "We need a new social contract—one that binds humanity together through justice, solidarity, and respect for our planet."