[Blog] The United Nations at 80 :  Building our future together

Under the global theme Building Our Future Together, the United Nations marked its 80th anniversary, a moment to celebrate eight decades of peace, human rights, and international cooperation, while renewing the collective commitment to a shared and sustainable future.

Eighty years ago today, the UN Charter came into force, heralding a new dawn for global cooperation. Since then, the UN has lifted 1 billon people out of extreme poverty, propelled women’s rights, saved the ozone layer, and eradicated deadly diseases like smallpox.   

Despite recent glimmers in multilateralism — such as the adoption of the landmark Pandemic Agreement and the High Seas Treaty — the system is being tested like never before.  

Record carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are pushing the planet into a vicious climate cycle. The World Health Organization confirmed this month that the world’s once silent pandemic is growing more widespread. Famine conditions persist in parts of Gaza despite this month’s ceasefire and amid what UN Secretary-General António Guterres called a “fragile hope.”

On today’s UN Day, his words at the UN’s 80th anniversary commemoration last month ring truer today, “The only way forward is together. Let us rise to this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction.” 

We ex-UN Staff, still totally committed to the UN Charter and goals, join in celebrating this 80th Anniversary (Many of us member of FAFICS and of our own AFICS-M are around 80 years old, i.e. the age of the UN!)

And, as an association , member of FAFICS, join with others working for the end of conflicts and peace in the world.

Michael Atchia for AFICS- Mauritius.

24th October 2025.