Delivering on UN@75 : towards a reinvigorated multilateralism for the future we want

This contribution was delivered online on 6 May 2021 on the occasion of the hybrid 2021 edition of EUI State of the Union on ‘Europe in a Changing World'. ; On 21 September 2020, World Heads of State and Government unanimously committed to an ambitious political declaration for the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). Recalling the Charter and setting out 12 policy priority areas, they call for determined collective action in order to tackle key global challenges, reaching out to a wider range of stakeholders, notably civil society and youth. More than ever strengthened international cooperation is perceived as the way to solve global challenges; on the other hand, the credibility and legitimacy of political leadership and the responsiveness of international organisations in building back better is increasingly being put to the test. Is multilateralism as traditionally promoted by the UN still relevant in this context? How can the UN best build on its past achievements, overcome its shortcomings and bring adequate responses for the future of “We the peoples”? In other terms, is the UN still relevant today and what would be the cost of having no UN? How can the international community collectively reinvigorate multilateralism so that it can efficiently deliver? This panel will candidly reflect on these questions and the ongoing process lead by the UN Secretary-General to come up with concrete recommendations to advance a more networked and all-encompassing global common agenda by the summer.