Panama Challenges UN Credibility, Announces Rights of Nature Initiative

President José Raúl Mulino used Panama's turn at the United Nations General Assembly General Debate to deliver a sweeping indictment of multilateral institutions' effectiveness — on migration, climate, and maritime security — while announcing a new global initiative to enshrine universal rights of nature in international law.

• Panama reports 99% drop in Darién Gap crossings after bypassing UN efforts in favor of a bilateral deal with the United States
• New global initiative launched to recognize universal rights of nature, building on Panama's protection of 33% of its territory and 54% of its seas
• Río Indio reservoir announced to shield the Panama Canal from climate-driven water shortages, representing billions in investment
• Panama condemns Strait of Hormuz attacks despite canal commercially benefiting from diverted shipping traffic
• Permanent Security Council seat demanded for Latin America and the Caribbean as Panama's non-permanent term ends in December

Why it matters: Panama's president used one of the world's most visible diplomatic platforms to argue that the United Nations is losing the confidence of ordinary citizens — a challenge that, if widely shared, could accelerate pressure for institutional reform at a moment when multilateral cooperation faces mounting geopolitical strain.