Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of the unprecedented devastation of World War II, the peoples of the world came together to say ‘never again’, guided by two simple yet powerful concepts. First: Working together across countries and communities offers a better path to peace and security than going it alone. Second: Peace, security and development are inextricably linked — one cannot thrive without the others. Thus the United Nations (UN), and a new chapter in multilateralism, was born.

Much has changed since then, but collective solutions to common challenges remain as vital as ever. From the climate crisis to pandemics, from the digital divide to food security, the challenges before us largely ignore national boundaries.

The UN’s 80th anniversary this year invites reflection on how far the organisation and multilateralism have come, and what lies ahead.

Honest reflection shows both; successes and unfinished business. Since 1945, despite conflicts that have eluded resolution, the world has avoided a third world war. Dozens of nations were born with the end of colonialism. Together we have eradicated smallpox, vaccinated nearly half the world’s children, saved millions through humanitarian assistance, established treaties to protect the vulnerable, safeguarded the ozone layer, and advanced climate action. It is not enough, but we are rowing in the right direction. Reforming the institution remains a priority of the UN Secretary-General, whose ambitious UN80 initiative is under way. The long-awaited updating of the........

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