UNGA at 80: From 1946 to Our Future
Join us at Central Hall to celebrate 80 years of the UN with inspiring talks, panels and performances.
Tickets to this event are on a pay-what-you-can basis, with Eventbrite's minimum donation of £1, to make it as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Join us where history was made!
On 17 January 2026, 80 years after delegates first gathered in Central Hall Westminster to launch the United Nations General Assembly, UNA-UK invites you back to the very same room for a celebration of international cooperation. London hosted the first meeting of the UN Security Council the same month, underlining the UK’s key role in the UN since its founding.
This landmark conference will bring together high-profile guests, UK and UN leaders, civil society and the next generation of changemakers for an inspiring day of reflection and possibility. Expect powerful speeches, dynamic panel discussions, thought-provoking conversations, and a range of special features.
Confirmed highlights include:
Welcome remarks
Keynote – UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
Panel 1: Peace, Security and Justice
Exploring the UN’s role in peace, security, and human rights, featuring:
- Lord George Robertson, former NATO Secretary-General
- Sanam Anderlini, International Civil Society Action Network
- Baroness Helena Kennedy, International Bar Council
- Moderated by Jane Kinninmont, CEO of UNA-UK
Panel 2: Addressing Planetary Challenges
Tackling climate change, technology, and global inequality, featuring:
- Derek Walker, Wales Commissioner for Future Generations
- Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate
- Moderated by Andrew Gilmour, former UN ASG for Human Rights, UNA-UK Trustee
Panel 3: A UN Fit for Future Generations
A conversation with:
- Ishaan Shah, Coalition for the UN We Need
- Heba Aly, Article 109
- Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil and former foreign minister
- Moderated by Ian Martin, Chair of UNA-UK Board
Data Drop: Hassan Damluji, Global Nation – presenting new polling data on global attitudes toward international organisations and UK public opinion
Spotlight session: Richard Foord MP, senior parliamentarian and former UN peacekeeper in Kosovo – “What does the UN mean on the doorstep?”
Spotlight session: Professor Brian Cox, UN Space Champion on space and international cooperation
As the world marks the UN’s 80th anniversary, we’ll honour the UK’s historic role in shaping the UN’s founding principles, celebrate the power of grassroots advocacy, and explore what a renewed multilateral system must look like for the decades ahead.
Whether you’re passionate about peace, human rights, sustainability, or simply curious about how global cooperation works, there will be something for you.
Further programme details coming soon.
Admission is on a pay what you can system, with donations – large and small – warmly welcomed to support UNA-UK’s mission.
Be part of history. Be part of the future.
Reserve your place today.
The Conference will be preceded by a Thanksgiving Service at 11am organised by the Methodist Church to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN. The Secretary-General will attend the service alongside representatives of the UK government.
Please register separately for the Service here.
Join us at Central Hall to celebrate 80 years of the UN with inspiring talks, panels and performances.
Tickets to this event are on a pay-what-you-can basis, with Eventbrite's minimum donation of £1, to make it as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Join us where history was made!
On 17 January 2026, 80 years after delegates first gathered in Central Hall Westminster to launch the United Nations General Assembly, UNA-UK invites you back to the very same room for a celebration of international cooperation. London hosted the first meeting of the UN Security Council the same month, underlining the UK’s key role in the UN since its founding.
This landmark conference will bring together high-profile guests, UK and UN leaders, civil society and the next generation of changemakers for an inspiring day of reflection and possibility. Expect powerful speeches, dynamic panel discussions, thought-provoking conversations, and a range of special features.
Confirmed highlights include:
Welcome remarks
Keynote – UN Secretary-General, António Guterres
Panel 1: Peace, Security and Justice
Exploring the UN’s role in peace, security, and human rights, featuring:
- Lord George Robertson, former NATO Secretary-General
- Sanam Anderlini, International Civil Society Action Network
- Baroness Helena Kennedy, International Bar Council
- Moderated by Jane Kinninmont, CEO of UNA-UK
Panel 2: Addressing Planetary Challenges
Tackling climate change, technology, and global inequality, featuring:
- Derek Walker, Wales Commissioner for Future Generations
- Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate
- Moderated by Andrew Gilmour, former UN ASG for Human Rights, UNA-UK Trustee
Panel 3: A UN Fit for Future Generations
A conversation with:
- Ishaan Shah, Coalition for the UN We Need
- Heba Aly, Article 109
- Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil and former foreign minister
- Moderated by Ian Martin, Chair of UNA-UK Board
Data Drop: Hassan Damluji, Global Nation – presenting new polling data on global attitudes toward international organisations and UK public opinion
Spotlight session: Richard Foord MP, senior parliamentarian and former UN peacekeeper in Kosovo – “What does the UN mean on the doorstep?”
Spotlight session: Professor Brian Cox, UN Space Champion on space and international cooperation
As the world marks the UN’s 80th anniversary, we’ll honour the UK’s historic role in shaping the UN’s founding principles, celebrate the power of grassroots advocacy, and explore what a renewed multilateral system must look like for the decades ahead.
Whether you’re passionate about peace, human rights, sustainability, or simply curious about how global cooperation works, there will be something for you.
Further programme details coming soon.
Admission is on a pay what you can system, with donations – large and small – warmly welcomed to support UNA-UK’s mission.
Be part of history. Be part of the future.
Reserve your place today.
The Conference will be preceded by a Thanksgiving Service at 11am organised by the Methodist Church to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN. The Secretary-General will attend the service alongside representatives of the UK government.
Please register separately for the Service here.
Good to know
Highlights
- 5 hours
- all ages
- In person
- Doors at 11:59 AM
Refund Policy
Location
Central Hall Westminster
Storey's Gate
London SW1H 9NH
How do you want to get there?
