Event information

30 September 2020, 16:00-18:00

Downloads

Flyer >

The UN @75: Challenges for the New Quarter-Century

Event

Flags outside the Palais de Nations in Geneva Flags outside the Palais de Nations in Geneva

The United Nations (UN) is marking its 75th anniversary in the midst of an unprecedented global health crisis and at a time of great disruption and geostrategic tension. The list of current and future global challenges requiring urgent collective action is daunting and long. At the same time, the UN’s ability to act and to fulfil its mandate appears increasingly compromised by dysfunctional power relations among its members and a general climate of growing global mistrust. Breaking this vicious circle will not be easy. And as UN Secretary-General António Guterres poignantly stated in his remarks to the General Assembly earlier this year: ‘[C]ommemorating the 75th anniversary with nice speeches won’t do.’

Following on the heels of the UN’s very own high-level meeting commemorating the organization’s 75th anniversary, the Glasgow Centre for International Law and Security (GCILS) and the Geneva Academy will be hosting a panel discussion about the current and future role and relevance of the UN in the hyperdynamic geopolitical environment of the 21st century.

In light of prolonged civil wars in Syria, Libya and Yemen, a crumbling nuclear arms control architecture, deepening socio-economic inequalities and a world-wide backlash against human rights, the discussion will focus on issue areas at the heart of the UN’s mandate and where a renewed vision for collective global action is urgently called for: nuclear disarmament, humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and human rights.

The panel seeks to provide a global reality check for the UN’s work in these core areas and its ability to navigate through an era of global turmoil.

Moderator

  • Robin Geiß, Swiss IHL Chair, Geneva Academy and GCILS Director, University of Glasgow

Panelists

  • Michael Biontino, Ambassador (ret.), former Permanent Representative of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament and Ambassador for Global Disarmament Affairs (2013-2018)
  • Diane A. Desierto, Professor, University of Notre Dame
  • Nils Melzer, Swiss Human Rights Chair, Geneva Academy, Professor, University of Glasgow, and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Nathalie Weizmann, Senior Legal Officer, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

UN Global Dialogue (#UN75)

The panel is a part of the UN’s global dialogue (#UN75).

 We would like to encourage you to take the UN75 one minute survey in advance of our event, to kick-start the conversation in our minds and online: www.un.org/UN75.

Registration

This event will take place online, via the Zoom platform, starting at 15:00 (BST)/16:00 (CET).

You need to register on Eventbrite to attend: https://bit.ly/351373S

Zoom log-in details will be provided closer to the event, based on registration. 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Expert Roundtable on Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Human Rights Monitoring News

Expert Roundtable on Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Human Rights Monitoring

19 November 2024

The Geneva Human Rights Platform hosted an expert roundtable with the theme 'Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Human Rights Monitoring.'

Read more

neurotech image News

Research Brief Evaluates the Human Rights Implications of Neurotechnology in Therapeutic and Commercial Applications

27 March 2025

Our research brief, Neurotechnology and Human Rights: An Audit of Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Opportunities, examines the human rights implications of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial applications.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Asian workers working at technology production factory with industrial machines Training

Business and Human Rights

19-23 May 2025

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

War on Minorities’ Under the Guise of Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

published on December 2024

Beatrice Meretti

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more