United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
PassBlue is an independent, U.S.-based nonprofit digital publication covering the United Nations, founded in 2011 as a project of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the City University of New York. It later moved to The New School and now operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Institute for Nonprofit News, so it has no commercial owner.
Funding
It is supported by tax-deductible donations and philanthropic grants rather than advertising. Funders include the Carnegie Corporation of New York (a backer since 2013), the Open Society Foundations, the Pinkerton Foundation, the Wallace Global/Fox-type foundations and thousands of individual donors.
Affiliation & stance
PassBlue focuses on accountability reporting on the UN and global affairs with a center-left orientation, but it is not tied to any party, government or the UN itself. As a foundation- and donor-funded independent nonprofit with its own editorial control, it is classified INDEPENDENT (center-left).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 19
79/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
19
Articles
19
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
![[UN: July 31] A Vote for SecGen Nominees, So. Sudan Makes Unesco’s List & Lots More](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=passblue.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F07%2FScreenshot-2026-07-31-at-1.18.52-PM.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
Recent coverage
Rodrigues Birkett and Otunnu Show Biggest Gains in UN SecGen Poll
The UN Security Council conducted a second informal straw poll for the upcoming UN Secretary-General election, revealing shifting dynamics among the eight candidates. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana took the lead with eight 'encourage' votes, while Ugandan candidate Olara Otunnu saw the largest percentage gain in support, doubling his 'encourage' votes since the previous poll. However, none of the candidates achieved the required nine 'yes' votes needed to secure the position. The results indicate ongoing uncertainty and lack of consensus among Council members, with no clear frontrunner emerging yet.
The Latest Two Nominees for UN Boss State Their Visions for the Organization
Two candidates for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, Ivonne A-Baki and Olara Otunnu, presented their visions to UN member states during public dialogues in late August 2024. A-Baki, representing Tonga, emphasized direct engagement in conflict zones and reforming the Security Council to reflect global demographics, while Otunnu, backed by Uganda, focused on upholding the UN Charter and leveraging 'soft power' through institutional consensus. Both candidates engaged with the Security Council privately and addressed questions from member states and civil society. Their contrasting approaches highlighted differing strategies for revitalizing the UN's role in global governance.
Our Survey Results: Who Do You Want to Be the Next UN Secretary-General?
PassBlue conducted an informal survey asking its readers to choose their preferred candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General position. Out of approximately 1,500 respondents, Rebeca Grynspan received the most votes at 32%, followed by María Fernanda Espinosa with 23.4%, and Michelle Bachelet with 21.9%. The survey results, while not influencing the official selection process led by the UN Security Council and General Assembly, provide insight into public opinion of the seven candidates. The formal selection process includes multiple stages, including dialogues and straw polls, with further evaluations planned through August 2026.
Latin America and Caribbean: Women Leaders With a Plan to Revive Multilateralism
A public dialogue in Uruguay brought together three female candidates for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana), to discuss strategies for revitalizing multilateralism. The event highlighted the diversity of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region in the candidate pool, which includes three women, and showcased their concrete plans for reforming the UN system. The dialogue, organized by Cepei, a Colombian-based think tank, emphasized the need for a more inclusive and effective UN that addresses contemporary challenges such as conflict, climate change, and institutional distrust. The discussion underscored the LAC region's historical commitment to multilateralism and its belief in rotating leadership to ensure broader representation.
Trump Will Never Leave the UN
The article discusses former U.S. President Donald Trump's complex relationship with the United Nations throughout his presidency. During his first term, Trump was antagonistic toward the UN but still engaged with it, working within its framework while advocating for reforms aligned with his 'America First' agenda. In his second term, he escalated his opposition by cutting financial contributions, withdrawing from more UN agencies, abolishing USAID funding, refusing to repay debts, and making controversial remarks about territorial claims. Despite these actions, the article suggests that Trump may still rely on the UN for global visibility and to promote his policies. The piece highlights the UN's historical role in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts, contrasting it with Trump's criticisms. However, the article stops short of concluding whether Trump will ultimately leave the UN, noting that his recent behavior hints at a potential continued engagement.
Why Can’t the UN Say ‘Yahav Lichner’?
Yahav Lichner, an Israeli national serving as the director of Unicef's Washington office since 2025, has been placed on administrative leave due to allegations that he leaked classified UN information to Israeli diplomats in 2015. The Drop Site News investigation alleges that Lichner shared internal UN documents, including a 'classified internal summary' of upcoming meetings, with Israeli officials Ron Prosor and Ronny Leshno-Yaar. Despite these serious accusations, the UN and related agencies like Unicef and UNFPA have avoided using Lichner's name in their public responses, referring to him only as an 'employee' or 'individual.' Unicef's media head, Kurtis Cooper, acknowledged awareness of the allegations but provided no further details. The situation raises concerns about transparency and accountability within UN operations, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive information.
L.A. homeless provider has paid CEO who lives in Hawaii $1.6 million in salary, vacation over two years
A nonprofit organization in Los Angeles that provides services to homeless individuals has paid its CEO, who resides in Hawaii, a total of $1.6 million in salary and vacation benefits over a two-year period. The revelation has sparked public scrutiny regarding executive compensation practices within local nonprofits, particularly concerning the disparity between high executive pay and the organization’s mission to assist vulnerable populations. Critics argue that such payments raise ethical concerns, especially given the CEO’s residence outside of Los Angeles and the potential lack of direct oversight. The issue highlights broader debates about transparency and accountability in nonprofit management.
‘Never Speak About It’: Leaked Audit Reveals the UN’s Palantir Problem
The World Food Programme (WFP), a major UN humanitarian aid agency, is considering renewing its five-year contract with US software firm Palantir, despite concerns raised in a leaked 2025 internal audit. The audit highlights 'key privacy concerns' regarding Palantir's role in managing the WFP's supply-chain logistics through its Digital Operations and Transformation System (DOTS). The WFP maintains one of the largest biometric databases globally, containing information on millions of people, including aid recipients. Palantir, founded in 2003 and partially funded by the US intelligence community, provides AI-driven data integration tools widely used in military and surveillance contexts. While some within the WFP worry about potential misuse of beneficiary data and Palantir's ties to US military operations, others prioritize efficiency. A recent report by independent researchers criticizes the WFP for continuing to invest in DOTS, suggesting this may violate UN principles.
Interview: Congo’s Foreign Minister on the Gaps Between Diplomacy and War at Home
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been engaged in a protracted conflict with Rwandan-backed rebels in its mineral-rich eastern region for over three decades. Despite multiple peace agreements, including the 2025 Washington Accord, the situation remains volatile, with continued rebel activity undermining efforts at stability. In 2025, the DRC successfully lobbied the UN Security Council to pass Resolution 2773, which explicitly named Rwanda as a party to the conflict. The DRC also pushed for U.S. sanctions against individuals linked to the war and sought the creation of an independent commission to investigate human rights violations in the region. In June 2026, the DRC filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide, torture, and other abuses. Despite these diplomatic actions, the conflict persists, causing ongoing suffering for millions of Congolese.
Denmark to Push the Security Council to Stop Conflict-Driven Hunger
Denmark is pushing the United Nations Security Council to address the growing issue of conflict-driven hunger, particularly exacerbated by ongoing wars in regions like Ukraine, Sudan, and the Palestinian territories, as well as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative follows the Council's 2018 resolution condemning the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Despite this commitment, food insecurity has worsened globally due to ongoing conflicts and blockades, including the U.S.-led military actions against Iran, which have disrupted critical supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The upcoming debate, hosted by Denmark, aims to highlight the connection between warfare and hunger and encourage broader discussion within the UN system.
Good Jobs Need Decent Work (and Decent Multilateralism)
The article discusses the challenges faced by multilateral organizations like the World Bank and the UN in defining and promoting 'good jobs' amid global economic uncertainties. It highlights the World Bank's shift toward prioritizing job creation, particularly for young people in developing countries, under the leadership of Ajay Banga. The piece critiques the lack of clarity in defining 'good jobs,' noting that the World Bank uses measurable indicators such as wage employment and labor earnings as proxies for job quality. It references the 2013 World Development Report on Jobs and the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. However, the article points out that the World Bank's current metrics may overlook broader aspects of job quality, such as labor rights and working conditions, suggesting a potential gap between its goals and practical implementation.
US Envoy Asks Countries to Help Fly Troops to Haiti for UN-Backed Force
The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), established under a Security Council mandate in September 2025, has begun operations in Haiti with initial contributions from Chad. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz urged member states to provide airlift support to expedite troop and equipment deployment, highlighting the urgency of Haiti's security crisis. While Chad deployed approximately 400 troops by late April, other nations like Sri Lanka and Mongolia have also joined. Despite efforts to organize the force, delays persist, with ongoing gang violence and challenges in logistics. The U.S. mission to the UN noted that the GSF aims to address these issues through international cooperation.
Penny For Your Thoughts: Voices challenge injustice, leadership failures, climate denial and celebrate unity
The article features several letters to the editor addressing various global issues. One letter discusses New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, referencing the International Criminal Court's indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for depriving Gazans of essential resources, including anesthesia. An Israeli scholar supports Mamdani's stance but raises concerns about the lack of accountability for Israel due to support from the U.S. and European allies. Another letter criticizes Zimbabwe's political trajectory, tracing its decline from the 'Bread Basket of Southern Africa' to a nation plagued by political oppression and economic collapse, blaming historical decisions like the Unilateral Declaration of Independence and international inaction. A third letter highlights the devastating impact of recent wildfires in Europe, particularly in Spain and France, where thousands have been displaced and communities face destruction.