Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a scathing critique of the United Nations during his address to the global body on Wednesday, September 24, 2026. Milei accused the UN of failing to fulfil its mandate on collective security and human rights, allowing "chaos, violence and international terrorism" to flourish. He described the organisation as a "useless organisation" and accused its officials of being "arrogant parasites disguised as well-intentioned bureaucrats".
Milei's criticism of the UN is part of his broader opposition to international institutions and policies he believes have expanded beyond their original mandates. The Argentine leader raised his country's longstanding sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas. The islands are administered by Britain as a British Overseas Territory, but Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over them.
The Falkland Islands dispute led to a war between Argentina and Britain in 1982 after Argentine forces occupied the islands. Milei accused the UN of failing to adequately address Argentina's claim and alleged that the organisation had "looked the other way" over the dispute. Argentina has previously accused Britain of disregarding a UN resolution calling on both sides to refrain from unilateral action concerning the islands.
Milei argued that the international system had failed to ensure consistent consequences for violations of international rules, using the Falkland Islands dispute to illustrate his position. "Those who follow the rules receive no reward for doing so, while those who break them face no repercussions whatsoever," Milei said. This criticism reflects his views on the need for reform in global governance.
During his visit to the UN, Milei also highlighted his country's efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the United States and other Western markets. The Argentine president has repeatedly described US President Donald Trump as an important international ally.
Argentina and the United States announced a new initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and strengthening connections between Argentina's economic sectors, Atlantic ports and Western markets. The initiative, known as the Andes-Atlantic Corridor, is intended to encourage investment in transport, digital infrastructure, minerals and energy.
The Andes-Atlantic Corridor project will focus on Vaca Muerta, a major hydrocarbon deposit in southern Argentina, as the country seeks to expand its energy sector and attract international investment. The announcement further highlighted Milei's close relationship with US President Donald Trump, with the two countries seeking to boost economic cooperation and investment.
Key points
- Milei criticizes UN as "useless organisation"
- Argentina and US announce Andes-Atlantic Corridor initiative
- Milei raises Falkland Islands dispute during UN address
