Multilateralism is the lynchpin of the UN’s work. It’s what makes tackling humanity’s greatest challenges possible.
So what does this term — often derided for being wonky and clunky — mean exactly?
Simply put, multilateralism is the technical word to describe a universal truth: We are stronger together.
It is perhaps best understood by its impact. Some of humanity’s greatest wins have been the result of coordinated and collective action that transcends borders and geopolitical hurdles. Thanks to multilateralism, the world has eradicated smallpox, helped close the ozone hole, and lifted 1 billion people out of extreme poverty.
Yet today’s global challenges are testing the international system in unpredictable ways. From climate change to artificial intelligence, the world is facing urgent, existential issues that cannot be tackled by any one nation alone. To meet the moment, we need fresh, bold solutions to strengthen global solidarity at a time of growing polarization, inequity, and distrust. Multilateral systems — both including and beyond the United Nations — need to be reimagined and revitalized to address 21st century challenges through collective, intergenerational action. Leaders must seize this moment to strengthen the UN so it can and continue to deliver inclusive, equitable progress now, and for future generations.
In other words, multilateralism needs an upgrade. As calls for a more inclusive, networked, and equitable international system surge, the UN Foundation is bringing together the work and voices of the foremost thinkers, planners, and doers to spark global dialogue, and create lasting change.
It is time for humanity to rise and redefine what is possible — together.
[Re]Group is a new platform for ideas, analysis, and perspectives on the future of global cooperation. Curated by the UN Foundation and featuring diverse voices, it debuts with a focus on the future of the UN and the race for Secretary-General.
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World’s Toughest Job is an eight-part podcast series co-produced by Foreign Policy and the UN Foundation. Through immersive storytelling featuring diverse voices, it will explore how the next UN Secretary-General will make a difference on pressing issues facing the world’s 8 billion people.
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July 7-15, 2026
Under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all,” this forum will review SDG 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17.
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September 8-26, 2026
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 8, 2026. Two weeks later, High-level General Debate kicks off Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
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At the Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted three landmark agreements designed to reinvigorate international cooperation and safeguard our future: the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. Together, they have the potential to shape a multilateral system that reflects the realities of today and meets the needs of current and future generations — if we act now.
The adopted Pact for the Future guides intergovernmental deliberations, with the ultimate aim of promoting a multilateral system that reflects the realities of today and that delivers for everyone. Learn more >>
The Global Digital Compact outlines “shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all”. The compact seeks to address several issues, including digital connectivity, Internet fragmentation, providing people with options as to how their data is used, application of human rights online, and promoting a trustworthy Internet by introducing accountability criteria for discrimination and misleading content. Learn more >>
The Declaration on Future Generations encourages countries to account for the interests of present and future generations in national and global decision-making. Learn more >>
As humanity faces the stark choice between breakdown or breakthrough, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ landmark report, Our Common Agenda (OCA), proposes a new global deal to renew faith in international cooperation, reinforce the needs of youth and future generations, and forge a new global deal. Learn more >>
At the invitation of Member States, the Secretary-General is now issuing a series of Policy Briefs to provide more detail on certain proposals contained in Our Common Agenda and to deliberations ahead of the Summit of the Future. These briefs include an analysis of the proposals’ impact on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and will be informed by the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Learn more >>
