The UN at 75: A Political Declaration and a Global Conversation

Abstract

The United Nations commemorated its 75th anniversary at a time of great challenges. COVID-19 has deepened inequalities and widened the digital divide, freedom of expression has been attacked and disinformation is rampant; unemployment has spiked, and violence and human rights abuses have risen. Hard-won development gains have faced major setbacks, and the climate crisis looms. The working methods of diplomacy and multilateralism were disrupted, geopolitical tensions intensified and the United Nations’ financial woes continued. Amid the turmoil, hope was found in two important outcomes of the official commemoration of the UN’s 75th anniversary held at the General Assembly in 2020. Member states adopted the Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations. Working under the theme “The future we want, the UN we need,” member states recognized our interconnectedness in the face of global challenges and committed to reinvigorate multilateralism to build a more equal, resilient and sustainable world through twelve commitments: leave no one behind, protect the planet, promote peace, abide by international law, place women and girls at the center, improve digital cooperation, upgrade the United Nations, ensure sustainable financing, boost partnerships, build trust, work with youth and be prepared for future crises. In parallel, the UN Secretary-General launched a global conversation inviting people around the world to discuss how we can work together to better address our shared global challenges. Through dialogues and surveys, more than 1.5 million people in 193 countries shared their short- and long-term priorities, and their ideas for action. Findings show that as COVID-19 reversed progress in human development, respondents prioritized access to basic services, tackling inequalities and global solidarity. Respondents in all regions identified climate change and environmental issues as the top long-term global threat; after that, they prioritized less conflict, more respect for human rights and more employment opportunities. Optimistic about the future, respondents voiced support for increased international cooperation, looking to the United Nations to lead, though also calling for the organization to innovate and to be more inclusive, engaged, transparent, accountable and effective.