Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a significant diplomatic appearance on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly participated in the high-level meeting marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The event took place at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York, as part of Madbouly’s official visit to the United States. He was accompanied by Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek, Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
The commemorative meeting, a cornerstone of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, was held under the theme “We Are Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” It served as a platform for world leaders and international representatives to reflect on the founding principles of the organization and its enduring mission in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, who spoke about the organization’s foundational ideals established in the wake of World War II. He underscored the continuing relevance of the UN Charter and called for renewed commitment to global peace and multilateralism, especially in light of today’s increasingly complex global challenges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the organization was founded to promote peace, protect civilians, and uphold international law. He warned that many of the original principles of the UN are now under direct threat citing, as a case in point, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also highlighted the pressing global issues of climate change, conflict, and widening inequality, stressing the urgent need for collective action and unity in the face of these challenges.
Guterres called on member states to recommit to the spirit of cooperation envisioned by the UN’s founding members, stating that the world needs multilateralism “now more than ever.”
The meeting also featured reflections from several former heads of state and government, including leaders from Liberia and Norway. Their speeches reinforced the enduring values of the UN, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding its principles to navigate the modern world’s mounting political, environmental, and humanitarian trials.
This high-level session brought together a wide array of global figures presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, and senior UN officials making it not only a symbolic milestone but also a substantive moment for re-evaluating the UN’s role and relevance in today’s international order.
As the United Nations enters its ninth decade, the discussions underscored the need for reform and revitalization of the institution. Delegates widely acknowledged that for the UN to remain effective, it must evolve to better address 21st-century realities including accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, upholding human rights, and fostering equitable global governance.
Egypt’s participation at this historic event reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its support for the foundational values of the UN. The Prime Minister’s presence highlighted Egypt’s call for a more inclusive, just, and cooperative international system capable of confronting shared challenges with unity and purpose.
