2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

The UN2020 Initiative is a civil society partnership dedicated to using the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in 2020 as an opportunity to take stock and strengthen the UN system in partnership with civil society, governments, and the UN in support of a people-centered multilateralism.

We believe that strengthening the UN system means improving multilateral relations and structures for global problem-solving.

To this end: we involve the progressive voice of civil society in the conversation about the UN we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

At the same time, the United Nations Secretariat has launched UN75, which it refers to as the “biggest-ever global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want.”

Why #MultilateralismMatters

At a time when nationalism is on the rise and multilateralism is being called into question by powerful governments, we are faced with an increasing number of global threats that require greater international cooperation across borders, sectors and generations.

What will the future look like if, in the absence of global cooperation, the major trends of climate change, military conflict, and inequality are left unchecked?

What you can do

Be informed!

UN2020 Initiative (Twitter – Facebook)

UN75 (Twitter – Facebook)

Sign up for updates and actions from UN2020, including details on monthly information calls.

Take and share UN75’s short survey on global trends and issues.

Participate in the UN75 Global Conversation, either online on in your community. The UN75 website includes a toolkit for planning your own event.

Write to Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and ask him to:

• Include in relevant speeches at the UN the need to make the most of the UN’s 75^th anniversary process next year to strengthen multilateralism.
• Make a significant Canadian contribution to the UN75 Trust Fund set up by the UN to support the process.
• Call for civil society inclusion in all discussions and activities around the future of the UN.
• Highlight the ways in which progress on the SDGs, climate, cyber security and other major challenges are dependent on a healthy international rules-based system.