A Moment for Reinvigorating Multilateralism

The UN’s 75th anniversary in 2020 arrived at a time of great upheaval and peril.

If the world is to recover from COVID-19 and we are to deliver on our promises to future generations - to secure a world where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet – then 2021 must be the year we change gear.

We need a multilateral system that is inclusive, networked and effective. Member States have identified 12 areas of action that can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism.

To achieve this we must think big. We need to reset the foundations and reaffirm the core values that underpin collective action.

The Secretary-General, as mandated by the General Assembly, will put forward his recommendations to advance our common agenda this September. His report will be a stepping stone towards a multilateralism system that better addresses current and future challenges.

UN75 Timeline
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Jan 2020
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The UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

Sep 2020
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Release of the final report on the UN75 Global Listening Exercise.

Jan 2021

Release of the Secretary-General's report on Our Common Agenda: Responding to Current and Future Challenges.

Sep 2021
The Global Listening Exercise
In 2020, the UN launched a global conversation on building a better future for all. Through surveys and dialogues, 1.5 million people from all countries and all walks of life were asked about their priorities for the future and ideas for action.
Advancing Our Common Agenda
Mandated by the General Assembly, the Secretary-General is producing a report with recommendations to respond to future and current challenges. The report will be informed by consultations with Member States, thought leaders, young thinkers, and public consultations building on the Global Listening Exercise.
The Twelve UN75 Commitments

"Our Common Agenda" will build on the 12 commitments contained in the Declaration on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

PROTECT OUR PLANET

PROMOTE PEACE & PREVENT CONFLICTS

ABIDE BY INTERNATIONAL LAW & ENSURE JUSTICE

PLACE WOMEN & GIRLS AT THE CENTER

BUILD TRUST

IMPROVE DIGITAL COOPERATION

UPGRADE THE UNITED NATIONS

ENSURE SUSTAINABLE FINANCING

BOOST PARTNERSHIPS

LISTEN TO & WORK WITH YOUTH

BE PREPARED

An Inclusive Approach

Our Common Agenda is led by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General with support from the UN Foundation and Igarapé Institute, along with a network of partners from all regions, including ACCORD (South Africa), Southern Voice (a network of 50 think tanks from Africa, Asia, and Latin America), and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore. In turn they will engage a diverse ecosystem of global experts, youth, civil society, private sector, universities and think tanks.

From January 2020, which starts the 75th anniversary year of the Organization, the UN will work with partners to initiate dialogues within and across borders, sectors and generations. The aim is to reach as many people as possible: to listen to their hopes and fears; learn from their experiences; and empower them to think and act globally. 

To help frame and inspire your dialogues read some of our Issue Briefs which outline issues such as the climate crisis, inequality, new forms of conflict and violence, and the rapid changes in demography and digital technologies. These issues will all require effective cooperation across borders, sectors, and generations.

 

While the end of the crisis caused by the COVID19 pandemic is not yet in sight, there is growing focus on the ways and means to build back better, by resetting the way we produce, consume, socialise and interact. The inaugural “2020 Future Possibilities Report” provides some of the first guidelines and benchmarks on how governments can prepare for such rapid change and will contribute to the important debate around the shape and form of the future economy.

 

UN75 asks people to “join the conversation” and present ideas for tackling the challenges we face. How can people participate? What will happen with the findings? Will there be outcomes and actions? Check out the frequently asked questions.

The UN75 logo is available for use in the six official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) and additional languages. Please note that the UN75 logo with the UN emblem is only available to UN system-wide partners. All other entities should use the UN75 logo without the UN emblem. 

The UN is turning 75 next year and we want to hear from YOU: What are your ideas for #ShapingOurFuture? To learn more and start planning for next year’s global conversation check out these videos. #UN75

This video provides a quick guide on the key components, mission and work of the United Nations - an international organization that helps to build a better world.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library is presenting an exploration of 75 key documents that have shaped the United Nations and our world. The documents honour the historic breadth of the Organisation’s work in the areas of peace and security, humanitarian assistance, development, and human rights.

The United Nations serves as a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace. In addition to maintaining international peace and security, the UN protects human rights, delivers humanitarian aid, promotes sustainable development and upholds international law.

 

The Dubai Expo 2020 runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The Department of Global Communications, in close collaboration with other United Nations system entities, will leverage the opportunity of international exposition to showcase the central role of the Organization as a proponent of ideas, a catalyst for action and a driver of multilateral solutions to global problems.

For their first podcast of 2020, our UNcomplicated hosts, Sinduja Srinivasan and Jason DeWall, celebrate a milestone year for the UN, as it turns 75.

They’ve been talking to Fabrizio Hochschild, who’s leading the world body’s birthday mission, to listen to the concerns of a new generation of global citizens, and keep the UN relevant in the decades ahead.

 

Links

COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 Response

Our world can only get ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic one way — together. A global response based on solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus that has already claimed more than two million lives.

Decade of Action

Decade of Action

With just 10 years to go, an ambitious global effort is underway to deliver the 2030 promise—by mobilizing more governments, civil society, businesses and calling on all people to make the Global Goals their own.

The Middelgrunden Off Shore Windturbines located in the Øresund Straight separating Denmark and Sweden. UN Photo

Climate Change

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it. There is still time to tackle climate change, but it will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society.

Women at UN CSW63 Side Event - “Take the Hot Seat”. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Gender Equality

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

UN75 Final ReportUN75 Final Report