Date/Time
Date(s) - 17/01/2026
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location
Central Hall Westminster

Categories

• General Assembly
• UNA-UK

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.