Director-General's remarks at the 44th WFUNA Plenary Assembly and World Congress 2026

44th WFUNA Plenary Assembly and World Congress 2026
Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 9.00 a.m.
World Health Organization (WHO)

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the World Federation of United Nations Associations for bringing together such a diverse and committed community of global citizens, practitioners, advocates and partners from around the world. For eighty years, under WFUNA’s banner, you and your predecessors have played an important role in supporting the United Nations and advancing its ideals.

I also wish to thank WFUNA for choosing International Geneva to host this World Congress. As one of the world's leading centres for diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, Geneva provides a unique environment where governments, international organizations, civil society and citizens come together to address common challenges and advance international cooperation.

This year, WFUNA convenes under the theme “Reclaiming Multilateralism", bringing together United Nations Associations from across the globe to reflect on their shared mission and strengthen support for international cooperation.

The theme could not be more relevant.

Eighty years after the founding of the United Nations, the principles that inspired its creation remain as important as ever. Yet, today, the multilateral system faces growing pressures. Conflicts persist, geopolitical tensions are increasing, trust is under strain, and many question whether international cooperation can still deliver solutions to global challenges.

At times such as these, it is important to remember that multilateralism is not an abstract concept. It is a practical necessity.

No country acting alone can effectively address climate change, forced displacement, pandemics, food insecurity, technological disruption, or threats to peace and security. The challenges we face are increasingly interconnected, and so too must be our responses.

While multilateralism is often criticized for being slow or imperfect, the evidence, just over the past three years, demonstrate its continued value: from the landmark High Seas and Pandemic Treaties, to one of the world's largest humanitarian operations in Sudan, which has provided life-saving assistance to missions, to the vaccination of over 100 million children, and the mobilisation of global action on climate, biodiversity and peacebuilding. None of these achievements would have been possible through unilateral action alone.

This is why WFUNA’s role is so important.

For eighty years, the Federation and its network of more than one hundred United Nations Associations have helped connect the work of the United Nations with people and communities around the world. In doing so, they have strengthened understanding of the United Nations, promoted public and civic engagement, and reinforced support for the principles of the Charter.

The opening words of the Charter, "We the Peoples," remind us that the United Nations was never intended to be solely an organization of governments. It was also envisioned as a common project sustained by citizens, civil society and future generations. WFUNA has long been one of the strongest expressions of that vision, helping to bridge the gap between global institutions and the people they serve.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the coming days, you will exchange ideas, share experiences, build partnerships and help shape new approaches to strengthening international cooperation. These discussions matter because the future of multilateralism depends not only on institutions, but also on the commitment of people who believe in dialogue, solidarity and collective action.

In a world increasingly marked by division, your engagement sends a powerful message: that cooperation remains possible, that dialogue remains essential, and that our shared challenges require shared solutions.

I wish you every success for the World Congress and the 44th WFUNA Plenary Assembly.

Thank you.