Video file
Secretary-General video message marking “100 years of Multilateralism in Geneva”
"The United Nations Office in Geneva is a key hub of international action. And the UNOG Library and Archives are the keepers of the history of modern multilateralism, from the League of Nations to the present day."
What is 100 Years of Multilateralism in Geneva?
About the Centenary
Created in 1919, the League of Nations was the first international organization with a view to develop cooperation among nations and to guarantee them peace and security. In 1920, the League established its seat in Geneva, and this marked the development of contemporary multilateral diplomacy. Over the past 100 years, multilateralism has evolved from the initial steps of the League to the complex and comprehensive work being done by the UN today.
To celebrate 100 Years of Multilateralism, UN Geneva has organized numerous activities together with Member States, Observers, International Organizations, and other partners, including local authorities, civil society, and the private sector. The aim was to highlight the evolution of multilateralism in various areas from the time of the League of Nations to the present day, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The centenary was an opportunity for the UN and other actors to promote the relevance of achieving peace through multilateralism, by recalling the lessons of the past as we look to the future.
The centenary helped also connect the general public to current global issues and provided a moment for deeper reflection on the importance of multilateralism in our changing world.
Duration of activities: from 24 April 2019 (International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace) to 15 November 2020 (anniversary of the first Assembly of the League).
Follow us on social media using the hashtag #Multilateralism100.
Centenary programme and COVID-19
Some activities have been modified as a result of the measures related to COVID-19. Throughout our centenary celebrations, you were informed, on this site and on the social networks #Multilateralism100, of the changes and adaptations that had impacted the centenary programme.
