Director-General's remarks at the Graduation Ceremony of the Master of Advanced Studies in European and International Governance (MEIG Programme) 2025

Graduation Ceremony of the Master of Advanced Studies in European and International Governance (MEIG Programme) 2025

“Challenges and Opportunities for Multilateralism in Uncertain Times”

Monday, 30 June 2025, at 6.30 p.m.
University of Geneva

Dear graduates, 
Honoured guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today for the graduation ceremony of the Master of Advanced Studies in European and International Governance Programme at the University of Geneva. Thank you to Professor Kaddous for her leadership in this programme and for her close collaboration with the UN Office at Geneva from the outset of this programme in early 2017.  

Let me begin by offering you my warmest congratulations. You’ve reached an important milestone - one that reflects your dedication, perseverance and commitment to international cooperation. You now join a vibrant and growing community of thinkers and practitioners committed to improving governance and advancing multilateralism across the world.

As graduates of an international and interdisciplinary programme, you embody the values that are central to Geneva’s - and indeed the United Nations’ - mission: diversity, dialogue and solidarity.

State of multilateralism

Let us begin by reflecting on the current state of multilateralism. Over the past decades, multilateral institutions have been the backbone of international peace, security, and development. They have enabled countries to come together to address shared challenges - whether related to climate change, global health crises, or economic instability.

However, today, multilateralism is facing unprecedented strains:

•    Geopolitical tensions have intensified, leading to fragmentation and mistrust among key global actors.
We are witnessing escalating violent confrontations in different parts of the world, most recently around the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme. 
•    Economic inequalities within and between countries have widened, fueling social unrest and skepticism towards international cooperation.
•    The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious gaps in global preparedness and solidarity, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of our multilateral system.
•    Technological advancements bring new opportunities but also new risks, including cyber threats and misinformation.
•    The climate emergency demands urgent, coordinated action, yet progress remains uneven.

These challenges have led some to question the relevance and effectiveness of multilateralism. But I would argue that this moment is not a time to retreat - it is a time to renew and to reimagine multilateralism.

Why does multilateralism matter?

Because the challenges we face today are inherently transnational by nature. No country, no matter how powerful, can solve the climate crisis, prevent further pandemics or ensure global economic stability on its own.

Multilateralism offers:

•    A platform for dialogue where diverse voices can be heard, and consensus can be built.
•    A mechanism for shared responsibility and burden-sharing in addressing global problems.
•    A foundation of law and norms that guide state behavior and protect the most vulnerable.
•    Opportunities for innovation and partnership across governments, civil society, and the private sector.

For young leaders like you, multilateralism is not just an abstract concept - it is a practical tool to build bridges, to foster peace, and to promote sustainable development.

Opportunities

And yet, even in the face of these uncertainties, there is hope, and there is opportunity. Opportunity to reimagine the international system. To make it more inclusive, more effective, and more relevant. To ensure that cooperation delivers tangible results for both people and planet.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. A time not only to celebrate, but also to reflect. Born from the ashes of war, the UN was founded on the values of peace, equality, and collective responsibility. While today’s challenges are very different from those of 1945, those founding values remain deeply relevant.

This is the spirit of the UN80 initiative - launched to mark the Organization’s anniversary by charting a path toward a more agile and effective United Nations.

We are focusing on:

•    Modern, inclusive decision-making;
•    A stronger voice for the Global South;
•    And better engagement between citizens and international institutions.

As the Secretary-General said: “We cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with systems built for our grandparents”.

Geneva plays a central role in this transformation. It is not only a diplomatic hub - it is a living laboratory of multilateralism. Home to nearly 40 UN entities, 187 Permanent Missions, and hundreds of NGOs, Geneva offers a unique environment where global decisions are debated, shaped, and implemented.

From humanitarian action to digital cooperation, from trade to health, Geneva brings together a diverse range of actors with one common goal: solving global challenges through collective action.

Its strength lies in partnerships - across sectors, across disciplines, across borders. This is where diplomacy becomes operational, and where solutions are tested and scaled.

Despite the challenges, there are real opportunities ahead. In 2025 alone, we will witness several major milestones:

•    The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development;
•    The next UN Climate Conference (COP30);
•    And the continued roll-out of the Pact for the Future.

Adopted last year, the Pact for the Future lays out a bold political vision for a more effective, equitable, and inclusive international system. It calls for:

•    Reform of the Security Council;
•    Fairer global financial governance;
•    A Global Digital Compact to guide the responsible use of technology;
•    And a Declaration on Future Generations to embed long-term thinking into today’s decisions.

The Pact is not a magic wand. But it’s a shared commitment - by Member States and beyond - to rebuild trust and deliver results.

Dear graduates,

You are beginning your careers at a time of profound transition. The stakes are high. But so is your potential. Wherever your paths lead - to international organizations, ministries, NGOs, academia, or the private sector - remember this: you are not just observers of the global system, you are its architects.

As we celebrate 80 years of the United Nations, let’s honour the past by investing in the future and move from commitment to action.

Congratulations once again. I wish you every success.

Thank you.