Director-General's remarks at the meeting with students from the University of Geneva

Meeting with the students from the University of Geneva
Wednesday, 15 April 2026, at 12.00 p.m.
Room XV, Building A, Palais des Nations

Dear students,

Welcome to the Palais des Nations. It is always a pleasure to meet with young people as we always have an interesting exchange.

As the Secretary General has recently reminded us here in Geneva, the United Nations must not only deliver results - it must above all be understood. Explaining what multilateralism concretely delivers is not an option; it is essential.

State of multilateralism

For decades, multilateral institutions have enabled countries to act together in the face of global challenges. They have helped among other things to prevent conflict, support development, and establish common rules to protect human rights. Through multilateral cooperation, the world has responded to health emergencies, advanced climate action, supported financial stability and promoted peaceful uses of emerging technologies.

Today, however, multilateralism is under strain. Political powers are increasingly challenging international law, cooperation is more fragmenting, and trust between nations is deteriorating. Geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are reinforcing cycles of confrontation, while economic inequalities continue to widen, contributing to polarization and social frustration.

At the same time, the planet itself reminds us of the cost of delayed action. Climate change is accelerating, with tangible impacts on lives and livelihoods. However, through the Paris Agreement, UN climate frameworks, early warning systems coordinated by WMO, and humanitarian responses led by OCHA, the United Nations helps countries mitigate risks, adapt to climate impacts and protect the most vulnerable especially during natural disasters.

Rapid technological change adds another layer of complexity. The UN is responding by shaping global norms on digital cooperation, advancing inclusive connectivity through agencies such as ITU, and promoting responsible artificial intelligence to ensure that innovation serves people, not the other way around.

Why does multilateralism matter?

Global challenges do not stop at borders. No country can address those challenges alone.

In a nutshell, 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. 

Although multilateralism faces unprecedented challenges, recent momentum signals not withdrawal, but renewal. In his January 2026 address to the General Assembly, the UN Secretary‑General underscored the UN’s commitment to “keep working, keep fighting, and keep pushing for the better world”.

Renewal, not retreat 

Encouragingly, there are also signs of renewal. In 2024, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future – a forward-looking agreement to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The Pact and its annexes – the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations – set out commitments to reform peace and security, make global financial governance fairer, harness digital technologies responsibly and embed long-term thinking in today’s decision-making. The Pact is not a magic wand, but it presents a shared commitment - by Member States and beyond - to rebuild trust and deliver results.

The year 2025 marked the first full year of its implementation. The General Assembly has launched follow-up dialogues on means of implementation, monitoring and review to ensure that the Pact moves from words on paper to tangible change by 2028. The United Nations system is also mobilizing to support implementation.

This includes:  
•    Coordinating follow-up through a high-level steering committee, chaired by the UN Secretary-General; 
•    Driving progress through six UN-wide working groups and two task teams, focused on key thematic priorities; 
•    Supporting implementation at regional level, through the UN Regional Economic Commissions, and at country level, through Resident Coordinators and Country Teams; 
•    Providing strategic guidance, data, coordination and communications via a dedicated team for Pact implementation within the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.

UN80

Last year, the United Nations marked its 80th anniversary – a moment to celebrate achievements, but above all to renew and adapt. Born from the ashes of war, the UN was founded on the values of peace, equality, and collective responsibility. Those values remain our compass as we confront very different threats, from climate breakdown to unregulated technologies.

The UN80 initiative is the system’s transformation blueprint. It focuses not on changing what the UN does, but how it works – to be more agile, coherent and impactful. The UN80 Action Plan shared with the Member States at the end of 2025, brings together three major workstreams into a single framework “under one roof”, translating them into 31 work packages with clear responsibilities and timelines.

On 31 March, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution under UN80 Workstream 2, marking the transition into its delivery phase. This resolution streamlines the lifecycle of mandates - creating clearer, more results‑oriented frameworks, reducing duplication, and enhancing accountability.

Together with the broader UN80 Action Plan, these reforms aim to ensure that every mandate, every dollar and every decision of the United Nations delivers stronger results for people and for the planet.

The role of Geneva

Geneva, as a global hub of diplomacy, continues to host key dialogues and implementation platforms for these critical reforms. Today in Geneva, there is some 40 UN entities, 188 UN Member States and hundreds of NGOs and academic partners.

As a hub for diplomacy, humanitarian action, human rights, health, trade and digital governance, it is where multilateral solutions are debated, tested and delivered. For instance, recently we hosted a special briefing with co-chairs of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance (24 March), preparing the high-level dialogue that will take place here in Geneva on 6-7 July this year to address the major questions that AI raises for humanity.

Youth

One of the most encouraging developments of recent years is the growing recognition that young people must be equal partners in decision-making.

At the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth in 2025, youth were recognized at the General Assembly as co-architects of our common future, not merely beneficiaries of policies designed by others. The Pact for the Future reinforces this by anchoring youth engagement and the Youth2030 strategy as a cross-cutting issue, including stronger financing and institutionalized participation.

Dear students,

You are entering the international arena at a time of uncertainty, but also of opportunity. Multilateralism will only remain effective if it continues to evolve — and that evolution depends on you.

Thank you.