GENEVA, August 28, 2026 — The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) today concluded its 44th Plenary Assembly at World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Convened from August 27–28 under the theme “Reclaiming Multilateralism,” the Assembly brought together WFUNA members and representatives of United Nations Associations from around the world for two days of dialogue, organizational reflection, capacity-building and collaboration.
The Assembly followed WFUNA World Congress 2026, held on August 26, which provided a public platform to examine the enduring importance of the United Nations and the role of civic actors in strengthening international cooperation.
Advancing Shared Priorities
Throughout the Plenary Assembly, delegates participated in a series of sessions focused on WFUNA’s work, the priorities of its members and the future of the global United Nations Association network.
The discussions provided opportunities for members to share experiences from their respective countries and regions, identify common challenges and consider how UNAs can work more closely together to advance the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
Reports from WFUNA’s commissions also enabled members to reflect on ongoing work, exchange recommendations and identify areas for continued engagement across the Federation.
Building Capacity Across the UNA Network
Capacity-building sessions held on the final day provided practical opportunities for participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen organizational approaches and learn from the experiences of other United Nations Associations.
The sessions reflected WFUNA’s continued commitment to supporting its members and strengthening the ability of UNAs to engage their communities, build public understanding of the United Nations and contribute to effective multilateral cooperation.
Youth Participation
The Youth Forum continued throughout the final day, providing young participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute their perspectives to the broader Plenary Assembly.
Led by William Yotive, WFUNA’s Senior Education Officer and Content Management, the Forum reinforced the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping the future of WFUNA, the United Nations and multilateralism.
Celebrating 80 Years of WFUNA
The Plenary Assembly also marked 80 years of WFUNA’s work as the People’s Movement for the United Nations.
During a special commemoration held on August 27 at the Jan Masaryk Monument in Parc Rigot, participants reflected on the Federation’s history and recognized eight decades of civic engagement in support of the United Nations.
Commemorative remarks were delivered by Aziel Philippos Goulandris, Secretary-General of WFUNA; Ambassador Katalin Bogyay; H.E. Fedor Rosocha, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva; and H.E. Gabriela Boiteux Pilná, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Looking Ahead
The 44th Plenary Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to stronger collaboration across the global UNA network and to WFUNA’s shared mission of building a more inclusive, responsive and effective multilateral system.
The perspectives, experiences and priorities shared in Geneva will inform continued cooperation among WFUNA and its member United Nations Associations as they work to connect people with the United Nations and translate the values of the UN Charter into meaningful civic action.
Together, World Congress 2026 and the 44th Plenary Assembly represented a historic convergence of public dialogue, member engagement and global collaboration, marking the beginning of WFUNA’s next chapter after 80 years as the People’s Movement for the United Nations.
About the WFUNA Plenary Assembly
The WFUNA Plenary Assembly convenes member United Nations Associations for dialogue, organizational reflection and collective decision-making. It provides WFUNA’s membership with a central forum to establish priorities, reinforce accountability and coordinate action in support of the principles and purposes of the United Nations.
About WFUNA
The World Federation of United Nations Associations is a global civil society organization dedicated to strengthening and improving the United Nations. WFUNA brings together United Nations Associations and their members to connect people with the work and values of the UN and advance effective multilateral cooperation.
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