Director-General's remarks at the GCSP course for Saudi Arabian Diplomats on the theme “Navigating Global Challenges Through the Perspective of Multilateral Cooperation”

GCSP course for Saudi Arabian Diplomats on the theme “Navigating Global Challenges Through the Perspective of Multilateral Cooperation”
Theme of the lecture “Challenges and Opportunities for Multilateralism”
Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 10.00 a.m.

Room S4, Building S2, Palais des Nations

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations. I am delighted to meet such a distinguished delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Let me also thank the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) for convening this important exchange on the theme of “Challenges and Opportunities for Multilateralism”. 

Today’s session provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the evolving landscape of multilateralism, the role of International Geneva, and the pathways ahead as the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary. I hope our dialogue today will also contribute to the continued strengthening of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic role within the UN system.

I will also be pleased to address any questions you have at the end of my remarks. 

I.    The United Nations' achievements of the last eight decades

This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations – an institution born from the devastation of the Second World War. The Charter of the United Nations remains the cornerstone of international cooperation, enshrining the principles of peace, equality, and shared responsibility. The global order, grounded in multilateralism, international law, and friendly relations among States, is rooted in this Charter.

Reflecting on the moment of the Charter’s adoption, it is remarkable to consider how far the international community has progressed. Over the past eight decades, we have made significant advances: promoting human rights, eradicating diseases such as smallpox, reducing global poverty, and expanding access to education for millions.
When we discuss the multilateral system, we often overlook its achievements and focus on current challenges: numerous crises, the rise of nationalism, unilateralism, and great powers acting without regard for the interests of others.

Yet, the UN system has achieved tremendous results throughout these 80 years. The world would be a much worse place without the United Nations. There would have been more wars, more conflicts, many more humanitarian catastrophes, and we would lack the resources and instruments to address humanitarian challenges. For example, United Nations institutions are responsible for half of all childhood vaccinations worldwide. 

Even issues such as gender parity have seen significant progress. Eighty years ago, there were no women in multilateral diplomacy. When the United Nations was founded, women’s participation in international diplomacy was minimal. At the San Francisco Conference, which established the United Nations, only four of the 850 delegates were women. Yet, their advocacy ensured that the principle of equal rights for men and women became enshrined in the Charter – a foundational achievement that continues to shape our Organization.

Of course, challenges remain – women still represent less than a third of ambassadors globally.  This is why initiatives such as the International Gender Champions network, launched here in Geneva, are vital. As the first woman to serve as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I recognize the importance of representation, that must translate into influence, visibility, and sustained commitment.

Saudi Arabia’s recent steps to increase women’s participation in diplomacy and leadership are encouraging and point toward a future of greater equality.

II.    Challenges and ongoing efforts

History reminds us, however, that progress is neither linear nor assured. The United Nations has continuously adapted to address new and complex challenges – from decolonization in the mid-twentieth century to combating terrorism and responding to global health crises in recent decades. Today, we confront a crisis of trust, a rise in unilateralism, and increasingly interconnected global risks. Issues such as the climate emergency, ongoing conflicts, cyber threats, disinformation, and the erosion of democratic norms transcend borders and require cooperative, inclusive, and law-based solutions.

The Palais des Nations, constructed between the late 1920s and early 1930s, stands as a testament to the enduring vision of our predecessors. Built not for royalty, but for nations, it is the second largest palace in Europe after Versailles.

Our forebears, emerging from the devastation of war and pandemic, invested in this institution, created the League of Nations, and built this remarkable Palace despite limited resources. Why? Because they believed in the future of the multilateral system. They believed that this system should have proper governance and institutions, and that all Member States should invest in it.

Today, as you may observe, the Palais is undergoing its first major renovation since its construction. This restoration is symbolic: while we preserve our heritage and the values that define us, we must also modernize our institutions to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. As the Secretary-General has stated, “We cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with systems built for our grandparents.” We must adapt the United Nations to ensure it remains fit for purpose, while upholding its founding principles.

In this context, the “UN80 initiative”, launched by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres this year, aims to adapt the UN system to the modern realities. These efforts seek to ensure that the UN remains relevant, cost-effective and responsive to the needs of its Member States and the global community. It builds on ongoing efforts, which aim to update the UN’s structures, priorities and operations for the 21st century.

III.    Adapting to new realities

Our success depends on our ability to adapt to ongoing changes. Many of the challenges we face today – climate change, geopolitical tensions, growing inequalities, and the rapid evolution of technology – are intensifying.

Revolutions in science and technology have historically changed the distribution of power. The first industrial revolution began in Great Britain, making it the leading economic power of its era. If we fail to share the benefits of new scientific and technological achievements fairly among all nations, these inequalities will only continue to grow. This is a significant risk.

The digital divide remains stark: while progress has been made, one third of humanity still lacks access to the Internet, a fundamental tool for education and participation in modern society.

However, there is a positive side. Five years ago, half of humanity lacked Internet access, so we have made progress. That is why the United Nations is working to ensure universal digital access, recognizing its centrality to sustainable development.

IV.    A vision for the future: the Pact for the Future

Last year, the General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future” – a visionary and inclusive agenda to reshape global cooperation for a fairer, more sustainable world. It calls for:

-    A reformed and more representative Security Council, including redressing the historical underrepresentation of Africa

-    Strengthened regulation of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and outer space governance

-    A reimagined international financial architecture that better serves developing countries

-    A robust framework for digital cooperation (the Global Digital Compact)

-    A Declaration on Future Generations, placing long-term thinking and intergenerational justice at the heart of global policymaking

This document, developed through broad and inclusive consultations, addresses the full spectrum of global challenges. While it is a political declaration and not a legally binding treaty, it provides a strong foundation for collective action. The best way to begin is with such a political declaration; achieving a treaty is much more difficult. But a shared vision can unite colleagues and partners.

The true test now lies in implementation, which will require the continued engagement of governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

V.    Sustainable Development beyond 2030

I would like to elaborate separately on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs represent our shared blueprint for a better future. Yet, as we approach 2030, it is clear that achieving these goals is only part of the task. Sustainable Development does not end in the year 2030. It needs to be mainstreamed in all we do. It should be embedded in the very fabric of our social and economic systems, extending far beyond any single deadline. 

Here at UNOG, we have a small team within my Office called the Beyond Lab – formerly known as the SDG Lab. We renamed it exactly to concentrate on the horizon of beyond 2030 to fostering this long-term vision and supporting Member States in shaping a sustainable future. 

VI.    International Geneva: a unique ecosystem

You are meeting today in International Geneva, a unique ecosystem that brings together 187 Permanent Missions (in April 2025 Papua New Guinea officially opened a Mission in Geneva), hundreds of NGOs, academia, and the private sector. Geneva is not just a place; it is one of the beating hearts of the multilateral process, where dialogue is transformed into policy, and policy into global solutions.

Geneva is home to major events such as the Human Rights Council, the World Health Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, and countless other processes central to international cooperation. We have the World Health Organization, the Economic Commission for Europe, the International Labour Organization, and, in total, about 40 United Nations organizations and entities. Many of them hold major events here, such as the World Health Assembly in May or the ILO Governing Board in June.

Geneva has played a central role in addressing many crises in the Middle East and North Africa: mediation efforts in Syria, Libya, and Sudan, as well as UN-led initiatives on food security and climate resilience across Africa.
This is a place where multilateralism is very much alive. To ensure it continues to serve the world, we must make it inclusive – not only involving Member States, but also civil society, the private sector, academia, and young people, with truly efficient decision-making processes. Its success in the 21st century will depend, in large part, on how well we include all these voices. We still have a long road ahead.

As current diplomats, leaders, and stewards of the international system, you are part of that transformation. The world is watching how we respond, not only to crises, but to opportunities. 

I thank you, and I look forward to your questions.