GENEVA, August 27, 2026 — The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) opened its 44th Plenary Assembly today at World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Held under the theme “Reclaiming Multilateralism,” the Assembly brings together WFUNA members and representatives of United Nations Associations from around the world to exchange perspectives, strengthen collaboration and contribute to the Federation’s future direction.
The Plenary Assembly follows WFUNA World Congress 2026, held on August 26, which provided a public platform for dialogue on strengthening the United Nations, rebuilding trust in multilateral cooperation and demonstrating the impact of collective global action.
Opening of the 44th Plenary Assembly
Following accreditation and networking, the 44th Plenary Assembly formally opened in the WHO Executive Board Room with general remarks welcoming delegates and reflecting on the importance of the global United Nations Association network.
Delegates subsequently participated in three plenary sessions throughout the day, providing opportunities for WFUNA members to share experiences, discuss organizational priorities and consider how the Federation can continue advancing its mission.
Strengthening the Global UNA Network
The Plenary Assembly provides WFUNA members with an important opportunity to identify common priorities, exchange promising practices and strengthen cooperation across regions.
Through dialogue and collective participation, delegates considered how WFUNA and its members can respond to contemporary global challenges, strengthen public support for the United Nations and advance coordinated civic action in support of multilateralism.
Youth Participation
Youth engagement remained an important part of the programme through a dedicated Youth Forum held alongside the afternoon plenary sessions.
Led by William Yotive, WFUNA’s Senior Education Officer and Content Management, the Youth Forum provided young participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify shared priorities and contribute their perspectives on the future of WFUNA, multilateralism and the United Nations.
Celebrating 80 Years of WFUNA
The first day of the Plenary Assembly also included a special commemoration marking 80 years of WFUNA as the People’s Movement for the United Nations.
Participants gathered at the Jan Masaryk Monument in Parc Rigot, Geneva, to reflect on the Federation’s history, recognize the contributions of its members and partners, and look ahead to WFUNA’s next chapter.
Commemorative remarks were delivered by:
• Aziel Philippos Goulandris, Secretary-General of WFUNA
• Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN
• H.E. Fedor Rosocha, Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva
• H.E. Gabriela Boiteux Pilná, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office at Geneva
Since its establishment in 1946, WFUNA has worked to connect people with the United Nations, strengthen cooperation among United Nations Associations and mobilize civil society in support of the values and principles of the UN Charter.
The commemoration provided an opportunity to honour eight decades of civic engagement while reaffirming the continued importance of a strong, inclusive and effective People’s Movement for the United Nations.
The day concluded with a networking cocktail reception at Le Jardin Anglais, near Geneva’s Flower Clock, where participants continued conversations and strengthened connections across the global UNA community.
Looking Ahead
The 44th WFUNA Plenary Assembly will continue on August 28 with an additional plenary session, reports from the commissions, further member discussions, capacity-building sessions, an inter-UNA cooperation event and continued Youth Forum engagement.
The Assembly will conclude by bringing together the perspectives and priorities shared throughout the gathering and strengthening the foundation for continued collaboration and collective action across WFUNA’s global network.
About the 44th WFUNA Plenary Assembly
The WFUNA Plenary Assembly convenes member United Nations Associations for dialogue, collaboration 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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