This year (2020), the United Nations commemorated its anniversary with a special announcement from the Secretary-General – “This United Nations Day also marks the beginning of our efforts to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.  In 2020 we will launch the biggest-ever global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want.”

The announcement sparked global engagement as UN75 materials, in 9 languages, were posted and shared by influencers, political leaders, youth organizations, NGO’s, think tanks and more from across the globe. The #UN75 social media posts reached millions of people worldwide. Global news outlets have published articles highlighting the initiative.

Tackling issues such as the climate crisis, inequality, new patterns of violence and the major changes we are seeing in population and technology in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – our shared vision for the future – will require cooperation across borders, sectors and generations.

But just when we need collective action more than ever, support for global cooperation is flagging. In many countries, public trust in traditional institutions is in decline and relations between countries are under strain. Dialogue – and action – on global issues could not be more urgent. Through these conversations, the UN aims to build a global vision of 2045 – its centenary, increase understanding of the threats to that future, and support enhanced international cooperation to realise that vision.

Momentum is rising in the lead up to the UN75 launch in January 2020. Join the conversation. Be the change!