diplomats

UN official on historic virtual UNGA: “We are in business. We are there”

UN General Assembly

UN official on historic virtual UNGA: “We are in business. We are there”

Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, acknowledges that this year's gathering of world leaders presents unique challenges. But, he says, the work of the UN continues. For two decades he has had a pivotal role in organizing thousands of key diplomatic meetings during these important weeks in NYC. In this video, Abelian explains the General Assembly, how it has worked in the past, and what to expect this year.

French Ambassador to UN: “Multilateralism has always been a challenge”

Global Stage Interviews

French Ambassador to UN: “Multilateralism has always been a challenge”

In an interview with Eurasia Group Vice Chairman Gerald Butts, Nicolas de Rivière cautions against an overly halcyon view of the UN's history. The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations explains that throughout its 75 years the organization has confronted adversity. This moment is no exception, but "we have no other choice" than cooperation in order to address today's biggest crises, he explains. Rivière also discusses the global pandemic response, a need for greater commitments to climate action, and a recent move by the US to push for renewed sanctions against Iran.

Podcast: Why We Still Need the United Nations with UN Secretary-General António Guterres

GZERO World with Ian Bremmer Podcast

Podcast: Why We Still Need the United Nations with UN Secretary-General António Guterres

The world's largest multilateral organization was born out of the global crisis of World War II. Now, as another crisis rocks the world, the United Nations is facing a challenge of its own—to remain relevant in an increasingly nationalistic geopolitical environment. On the eve of the first Virtual UN General Assembly, GZERO World host Ian Bremmer spoke to UN Secretary-General António Guterres about pandemic response, climate action, the US/China schism, and more.