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international international

keep concepts like human dignity and neutrality global commitments into local implementation
alive in the system, anchoring multilateralism in and bring contextual legitimacy to global
legitimacy. decision-making.

• The International Development Law 2. Trust and communication: Trust in
Organization (IDLO) noted that Observers multilateral institutions has eroded. Speakers
contribute connectivity, credibility, and technical highlighted the need for more transparency,
capacity; especially by assisting states in fulfilling more consistent application of international law,
international commitments and supporting and clearer communication of concrete results
national, development, be it in justice and to the public.
the Future of Multilateralism – governance, economic development, or digital 3. Reform and efficiency: The liquidity and
innovation.
Permanent observers’ Perspectives • The League of Arab States emphasized the budgetary crisis affecting the UN system was
widely acknowledged as a catalyst for genuine
need for inclusive, transparent, and regionally institutional reform. Several contributors
On 27 October 2026, Ambassadors and event showcased how these organizations grounded multilateralism, with strengthened stressed that reform must not merely reduce costs
Representatives of the Permanent Observer engage with national, subnational, or regional regional mechanisms and expanded participation but strengthen the system’s capacity to respond
delegations to the United Nations at Geneva actors to translate multilateral initiatives into of civil society and marginalized groups. swiftly to crises and to address issues such as
organized at the Palais des Nations a special event meaningful local impact. It also suggested climate change, conflict, digital governance, and
on “The Future of Multilateralism: Permanent possible measures that multilateral institutions During the Interactive Dialogue, the Council of global inequality.
Observers’ Perspectives” in the context of the could adopt to build trust and legitimacy among Europe recalled the importance of the European
80 Anniversary of the creation of the United communities. Finally, the discussion analysed Convention on Human Rights and the European 4. Role of the international civil service: The
th
Nations – a milestone that invites both reflections possible transformations for a more impactful Social Charter. The European Public Law sustainability and professional independence
and renewal. It reminds us that multilateralism multilateral system and proposed potential Organization (EPLO) advocated for reforms of of the international civil service were raised as
is a living framework that must evolve to remain initiatives to ensure that multilateralism and the the International civil service to align the 1945 essential to the functioning and credibility of the
credible, inclusive and impactful. work conducted in Geneva remain relevant to institutions with modern geopolitical realities. UN system. Recent workforce reductions and
people worldwide. The European Union (EU) strongly supported structural uncertainty were noted with concern.
The event was the result of a collective vision the respect of the UN Charter in this 80th
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and coordination among the Permanent Speaking at the opening, the Director-General of Anniversary of the creation of the United Nations. 5. Bridging local and global action: Manyy
Observer delegations, including the African UNOG, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, underlined that The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Observers and member states underscored that
Union, the Council of Europe, the European today’s global environment is significantly more observed with deep concern that multilateralism effective multilateralism is not only negotiated
Public Law Organization, the European Union, complex than when the UN was founded. While is being put under immense strain. But this in New York or Geneva but must be visibly
the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of Member States remain the core actors, a broad should not prevent those parties from exercising relevant to communities and citizens. Regional
the Gulf, the International Development Law array of intergovernmental organizations, civil their role efficiently and effectively. The Pacific partnerships, parliamentary diplomacy, and
Organization, the League of Arab States, the society, academia, the private sector, and regional Island Forum underlined that unity and shared grassroots engagement were highlighted as key
International Organization of Francophonie, institutions now shape multilateral processes. The purpose will shape the future of multilateralism, levers.
the Sovereign Order Malta, the Organization Director General emphasized the importance with the Pacific message that “We are all in
of Islamic Cooperation, Pacific Islands Forum, of inclusive and integrated multilateralism and the same canoe”. Collective action, trust, and The event demonstrated a strong shared
Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean drew attention to the UN80 initiative and the shared purpose can ensure not only the survival commitment to preserving and renewing
and the University for Peace. Pact for the Future as frameworks to modernize but the transformation of multilateralism. multilateral cooperation. Special thanks to the
mandates, structures, and efficiencies. She Finally, the Parliamentary Assembly of the International Organization of Francophonie,
Reflecting the delegations’ linguistic and cultural emphasized close cooperation with Permanent Mediterranean advised that, for there to be Cooperation Council for the Arab States of
diversity, the event enjoyed simultaneous Observers is essential to avoid duplication and effective multilateralism, all perspectives should the Gulf and the University for Peace for all
interpretation in French and Arabic. enhance impact. be at the table, including those of civil society, the logistic support. Participants agreed that
academia and the private sector. Permanent Observers play a distinctive and
The aim of the event was to highlight the Thematic Interventions Speakers underscored increasingly necessary role by contributing
unique role that Permanent Observer Missions the value of Permanent Observers as bridges The Contributions from Permanent Observers expertise, regional coordination, and practical
play in International Geneva and how they between global norm-setting and local realities: and Member States reinforced several common field experience. The gathering was widely
contribute to multilateral endeavours. They themes: understood not as an isolated occurrence, but
explored best practices from the engagement • The Sovereign Order of Malta stressed the as the beginning of a sustained process for
of Permanent Observers that might contribute importance of expertise over formal voting 1. Inclusivity and legitimacy: Multilateralism exchanging valuable experience and promoting
to a more inclusive and responsive multilateral power, highlighting the humanitarian and field- must better reflect diverse regional perspectives cooperation.
system in the face of global challenges. The based knowledge that Observers bring. They and give meaningful voice to developing
countries. Regional organizations help translate

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