The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) commemorated its 80th anniversary in the same London Methodist hall where its inaugural meeting took place in 1946. The initial assembly, involving representatives from 51 countries, aimed to foster international cooperation and prevent future conflicts following World War II. Early speakers, including then-U.S. Secretary of State James F. Byrnes and U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, emphasized collective action for peace and gender equality.
Contemporary Challenges Highlighted
During the anniversary event, current UN leaders addressed a period of global uncertainty. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the past year as "profoundly challenging for international cooperation and the values of the UN." He cited issues such as reduced aid, increased inequalities, accelerated climate change, and violations of international law. Guterres specifically mentioned the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, categorizing them as "vicious and cruel," and expressed concern over elevated global military spending.
Guterres has previously highlighted the underfunding of many UN agencies, noting that over half of member states, including the United States, have not paid their agreed contributions. This funding deficit impacts the UN's work in humanitarian aid and climate change initiatives. Earlier in the month, a U.S. executive order was issued to withdraw the country from 66 international organizations, including 31 UN agencies. Guterres has also criticized Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and U.S. military operations in Venezuela, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Calls for Defense of Multilateralism
Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, stated that the United Nations and its principles are "under heavy attack." She drew inspiration from the optimism of the UN's founders, urging current generations to defend and engage with the organization.
Following the main speeches, experts participated in panels discussing contemporary issues, including global peace and gender equality. Lord Robertson, a former NATO Secretary-General, commented on the prospect of reverting to an era before the UN, where disputes were often resolved through conflict rather than negotiation. He emphasized that multilateralism serves the interests of all nations, suggesting the alternative is "open warfare and a Wild West of international relations."