[Blog] The United Nations at 80: Building Our Future Together

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

Eighty years ago today, the UN Charter came into force, marking a new era for global collaboration. Since then, the UN has lifted 1 billion people out of extreme poverty, advanced women's rights, protected the ozone layer, and eliminated deadly diseases such as smallpox.

Despite recent positive strides in multilateralism — including the adoption of the groundbreaking Pandemic Agreement and the High Seas Treaty — the system faces unprecedented challenges.

Record levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are pushing the planet into a destructive climate cycle. This month, the World Health Organization confirmed that the previously subdued pandemic is becoming increasingly widespread. Famine conditions continue in parts of Gaza, even following this month’s ceasefire, amidst what UN Secretary-General António Guterres described as a "fragile hope."

On this UN Day, his words from last month’s 80th anniversary commemoration resonate strongly today: "The only way forward is together. Let us rise to this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction."

We, the former UN staff, remain fully committed to the UN Charter and its goals, joining in the celebration of this 80th anniversary (many of us are members of FAFICS and our own AFICS-M, and are around 80 years old, just like the UN!).

As an association, a member of FAFICS, we collaborate with others striving for an end to conflicts and for peace in the world.

Michael Atchia for AFICS-Mauritius. 24th October 2025.