President of the UN General Assembly on Defending the International Order

Commemorating 80 Years of the UN

• 💡 The United Nations Association-UK convened a gathering in London to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN General Assembly's first meeting, recognizing its foundational role in modern multilateralism.
• 🌍 The UN's impact is evident in initiatives like UNICEF's textbooks, the World Food Program's aid, WHO's vaccinations, and the General Assembly's broad representation.

Challenges to the International Order

• ⚠️ The UN and its principles are currently under significant pressure and attack, with member states no longer universally aligned.
• 💥 The speaker contrasts the current challenges with the post-WWII era, where devastation led to a resolve to build a better future, questioning why that same resolve cannot be found today.
• ⚖️ The erosion of compromise and the violation of the UN Charter's core principles by member states, including permanent Security Council members, are highlighted as critical threats.

Defending the UN Charter and Principles

• 🤝 A call is made to summon the resolve of the UN's founders to form cross-regional alliances to defend the international rules-based order and the Charter daily.
• 🗣️ The importance of civil society, UN Associations, and the public in reminding governments of the UN Charter's principles as a "common life insurance" is emphasized.
• 🚫 Reform debates should not be weaponized to dismantle the UN's core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Inclusivity and Future Leadership

• 🚺 The historical inclusion of women, exemplified by Eleanor Roosevelt's early involvement, demonstrates that peace and security cannot be achieved by excluding half of society.
• 🌟 The selection of the next UN Secretary-General will be a crucial signal of the organization's commitment to serving all of humanity, including women and girls.
• 🚀 At the dawn of 2026, the world stands at a crossroads, requiring the same courage and determination as the UN's founding fathers and mothers to uphold its promises.