EU at the 80th UN General Assembly: Working together for peace, development, and human rights

At a moment when the global rules-based order is under strain, the EU renews its commitment to multilateralism based on international law, including the UN Charter, recognising the intrinsic link between peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.

The EU engages to remain a predictable, reliable and credible partner, committed to finding global solutions to common challenges, including through the implementation of the Pact for the Future.

The EU stands ready to engage with partners in driving forward UN reform through the UN Secretary General’s 'UN80 initiative'. Comprehensive reforms, including of the UN Security Council, international financial institutions and the humanitarian system are essential to ensure a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN, capable of delivering across the three UN pillars.

Commitment to a rules-based international order

The EU will continue forging and nurturing partnerships across the wider UN membership, building consensus and working together in a changing environment in support of an effective multilateral system.

Strengthening the UN peace and security architecture

The EU and the UN will continue to work together to address global peace and security challenges, with focus on conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding, crisis management, and support for multilateralism in line with the UN Charter, as per the EU-UN Strategic Partnership on Peace and Security.

The EU will continue to uphold, protect and strengthen the multilateral framework for disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control as well as the multilateral framework for export control of arms and dual-use goods and technologies.

Advancing reforms to reinvigorate the UN system and pursue effective partnerships

The EU will also continue to actively support, promote and empower a diverse and independent civil society, championing their meaningful participation in multilateral processes and national decision-making processes.

The EU reaffirms the important role of youth, bearing in mind the needs and interests of future generations, and reiterates its commitment to the Declaration on Future Generations.

Addressing the triple planetary crisis

The EU stands firmly by its commitment to the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, as well as its commitment to support global food and nutrition security by promoting sustainable, nutritious, and affordable food for the growing global population. 

For the 80th UN General Assembly Session, the European Union will be represented by Veronika Novotná and Lars Westra, selected EU Youth Delegates for 2025-2026. 

As part of the EU Youth Delegate program, the youth delegates will work to encourage young Europeans to participate in the UN’s work and increase the visibility of the EU at the UN. Given the challenges that disproportionately affect young people such as climate change and rising inequality, it is important that they have a strong voice to raise their concerns and find solutions. Youth engagement with these issues and the UN’s work will also be critical in ensuring action is taken.

• 80th Anniversary of the United Nations

  This one-hour meeting will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, with UN officials and Heads of State and Government reflecting on the achievements of the past eight decades and the path ahead for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system.

• SDG Moment

  The SDG Moment is held every year — as mandated by the 2019 SDG Summit — to highlight inspiring action on the Sustainable Development Goals.

• 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women

  Marking the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the UN General Assembly will convene a high-level meeting centered on the theme “Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.” 

• General Debate

  At the General Debate — the annual meeting of Heads of State and Government at the beginning of the General Assembly session — world leaders make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges.

• Climate Summit

  With the pace and scale of the climate crisis growing across the globe, the UN Secretary-General is convening a Climate Summit to serve as a platform for world leaders to present their new national climate action plans and seize the benefits of the new clean energy era.

• UN - International Financial Institutions Summit

  The United Nations and international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have complementary mandates in global economic governance.

• Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health and Well-being

  Heads of States and Government will meet to set a new vision for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) — including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases — and the promotion of mental health and well-being towards 2030 and beyond, through a new, ambitious and achievable political declaration.

• 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth

  Under the theme “WPAY at 30: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration,” the meeting will focus on strengthening intergenerational partnerships and renewing commitments to advance the global youth agenda.

• International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

  This annual High-level plenary meeting commemorates and promotes the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

• Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar

  The UN General Assembly will hold a high-level plenary meeting to address the crisis facing Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.