s we gather for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, we are reminded that this is both a historic milestone for the world’s organization and a turning point for us at Diplomatic Courier. Eight decades since the founding of the UN, the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation remain as vital as ever. Yet the challenges we face today—from climate upheaval and health crises to rapid technological change and rising inequality—are more complex and interconnected than any generation before us.
For us at Diplomatic Courier, this UNGA also carries personal significance: we are entering our 20th year since our launch here in New York in 2006. In those two decades, so much has changed in the way the world tackles global challenges. When we began, diplomacy was still primarily the domain of governments. Today, thanks in part to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, diplomacy has expanded into a truly multistakeholder endeavor. Business leaders, innovators, educators, scientists, philanthropists, and citizens are now all at the table. As you’ve heard me say before, solving humanity’s greatest challenges is everyone’s business.
This evolution gives us hope, even in a moment when the global outlook can feel more grim than ever. With just five years left until the expiration of the 2030 Agenda, time is running short. But we believe in the boundless capacity of humanity to collaborate across borders, sectors, and disciplines to chart a different course.
That is why we are convening 11 events during UNGA 80, including forums on education, health, climate, innovation, leadership, philanthropy, and more. Each one reflects the megatrends reshaping our world and the urgent need to align them with the SDGs. Together, they serve as platforms for partnership and for unlocking bold solutions that help the future arrive well for all.
We are honored to share this moment with you. May this gathering remind us that while the clock is ticking, our collective imagination and resolve remain stronger than ever.
a global affairs media network
From 2006 to tomorrow: Entering two decades of global conversation
Image via Adobe Stock.
September 17, 2025
After 80 years of UN General Assembly meetings, diplomacy remains the core vehicle to tackling the world’s problems. Yet diplomacy has changed drastically, evolving into a multi–stakeholder model—and that offers hope, writes Ana C. Rold.
A
s we gather for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, we are reminded that this is both a historic milestone for the world’s organization and a turning point for us at Diplomatic Courier. Eight decades since the founding of the UN, the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation remain as vital as ever. Yet the challenges we face today—from climate upheaval and health crises to rapid technological change and rising inequality—are more complex and interconnected than any generation before us.
For us at Diplomatic Courier, this UNGA also carries personal significance: we are entering our 20th year since our launch here in New York in 2006. In those two decades, so much has changed in the way the world tackles global challenges. When we began, diplomacy was still primarily the domain of governments. Today, thanks in part to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, diplomacy has expanded into a truly multistakeholder endeavor. Business leaders, innovators, educators, scientists, philanthropists, and citizens are now all at the table. As you’ve heard me say before, solving humanity’s greatest challenges is everyone’s business.
This evolution gives us hope, even in a moment when the global outlook can feel more grim than ever. With just five years left until the expiration of the 2030 Agenda, time is running short. But we believe in the boundless capacity of humanity to collaborate across borders, sectors, and disciplines to chart a different course.
That is why we are convening 11 events during UNGA 80, including forums on education, health, climate, innovation, leadership, philanthropy, and more. Each one reflects the megatrends reshaping our world and the urgent need to align them with the SDGs. Together, they serve as platforms for partnership and for unlocking bold solutions that help the future arrive well for all.
We are honored to share this moment with you. May this gathering remind us that while the clock is ticking, our collective imagination and resolve remain stronger than ever.
