On September 21st 2020 the official commemoration of UN75, which took place at a socially-distanced UN Headquarters, with Heads of State and Government joining virtually, focused on the theme of “The future we want, the United Nations we need: Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism.”  For the first time in the history of the United Nations, global leaders were not able to meet in person for the General Assembly’s annual debate. But More Member States than ever took part in the annual general debate, pressing ahead with a full slate of issues, from cooperation on much-hoped for COVID-19 vaccines and reviving global multilateralism, to promoting gender equality and climate action. Indeed, the high-level meeting brought together 111 Heads of State and Government and 14 Ministers, who spoke in support of multilateralism and global solidarity, among other themes.

UNGA President Volkan Bozkir

The commemoration opened with a video highlighting key moments in the UN’s 75-year history. In an opening statement, UNGA President Volkan Bozkir reflected on the UN’s achievements to date, including in conflict prevention, electoral and political assistance, human rights, and international development.

 

UN Secretary-General Guterres

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Guterres underscored that discussions on the future of the UN are not about “creating a world government,” but about improving global governance for the benefit of all. “The world faces a surplus of multilateral challenges, and a deficit of multilateral solutions. Outlining the global consultations on priorities and concerns undertaken by his office since the beginning of 2020,” warned the Secretary General. “While no one wants a world government, we must work together to improve global governance,” he said.

 

UN Security Council President Abdou Abarry said the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 have exacerbated challenges such as the illicit arms trade, human trafficking, and international terrorism. He also noted that there is no other global organization with the legitimacy and convening power of the UN.

ECOSOC President Munir Akram said the UN Charter recognizes that prosperity and peace are interdependent, but the UN cannot be effective if the UN Security Council is paralyzed.

Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, President, International Court of Justice, underscored that the reliance on the international rule of law and peaceful means for dispute resolution is the UN’s greatest success story, and unless this system of rules is respected by all the edifice of multilateral cooperation may collapse.

The Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations was then adopted by acclamation.

Prime Minister of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, who was head of the Nepali delegation, said “there is no alternative to unity and solidarity when it comes to fighting against pandemics, the climate crisis, and ensuring the total elimination of all chemical, nuclear, biological, and other radiological weapons.”

Various heads of the nations and governments speaking during the day-long commemoration made it clear that they have the vision to realize the critical importance of multilateralism, global solidarity, and the UN. To go a step further and truly commit to global governance, however, would mean a genuine commitment to global good, sometimes over national benefit.

 

By Alizé Utteryn 09/22/2021