Ghana Hosts High-Level Dialogue on Multilateralism to Mark 80 Years of the United Nations

In a powerful gathering of diplomacy, reflection, and forward-looking dialogue, Ghana today hosted a High-Level Dialogue to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Organized by the United Nations in Ghana in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event brought together senior government officials, UN leadership, youth advocates, academia, diplomats, and leading experts to examine the state of multilateralism and explore new strategies for sustainable development in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Held under the theme “Multilateralism and Sustainable Development in a Fragmented World,” the dialogue opened with remarks by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, who outlined the objectives of the session.

A UNFPA Youth Fellow alumna, Bernadette Seyram Azah, brought in a youth perspective with an inspiring opening statement reflecting on her journey from a youth leader to a national advocate. “Development work is not only about policy. It is about people, purpose, and partnership,” she said, calling for stronger youth inclusion in national planning, environmental action, and accountability. “The future of multilateralism must be built on trust, inclusion, and intergenerational partnership,” she emphasized.

The visiting Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Programme, Mr. Toily Kubanov, commended Ghana for celebrating the UN’s 80th anniversary through meaningful and inclusive engagement. He lauded the role of young people in shaping the global discourse on peace and development.

The UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Zia Choudhury, in his statement, reflected on the founding ideals of the UN and its continuing relevance eight decades later. “On 24 October 1945, the UN Charter entered into force, the legal beginning of our United Nations. But beyond the formalities, this is also our birthday,” he said. He highlighted that the UN was born out of the devastation of war to uphold peace, dignity, and cooperation, principles that remain as critical today as ever.

H.E. Choudhury commended Ghana’s long-standing partnership with the UN, especially its leadership in diplomacy, peacekeeping, and sustainable development. He called for bold reforms and honest reflection to ensure that the UN remains inclusive, effective, and true to its founding mission.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming Ghana’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity. “As we reflect on 80 years of the United Nations, we are reminded of the enduring power of multilateralism as a force for peace, progress, and collective problem-solving,” he stated. Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa acknowledged the UN’s pivotal role in peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and development, while addressing emerging global challenges, from climate change and geopolitical tension to cyber insecurity. He also decried the rising violence against aid workers, referencing Ghana’s recent endorsement of the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the UN General Assembly.

Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s call for reform of the UN Security Council and international financial systems, echoing President John Dramani Mahama’s call for a permanent African seat and a fairer global financial architecture. “Too many developing nations remain trapped in cycles of unsustainable debt,” he said, urging greater financial justice and climate-sensitive investment.

The event featured two expert panel discussions. The first, moderated by Dr. Aggrey Darko, Head of the Civil Service, explored the legacy and future of multilateralism, with contributions from Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, A seasoned international relations expert, specializing in international security, geopolitics, and regional economic integration, Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana with extensive experience in international law, diplomacy, and global governance and Dr. Sangu Delle, a young entrepreneur and an author. The second panel, moderated by renowned journalist Bernard Avle, focused on sustainable finance and development, with Dr. Alhassan Andani, an economist, corporate leader, and development strategist and Prof. Godfred Bokpin, an economist and Professor of Finance, offering insights.

Panelists delivered candid reflections, acknowledging the UN’s convening power and institutional legacy, while calling for meaningful reform to restore public trust, particularly among young people.

The dialogue concluded with a shared understanding that revitalizing multilateralism requires renewed global solidarity, stronger accountability, and inclusive partnerships to confront 21st-century challenges, from inequality and conflict to climate and digital transformation.

As the United Nations marks 80 years of service to humanity, the event served as both a reflection on its past achievements and a call to action for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.