UNGA at 80: London event marks historic milestone

Ansar Ahmed Ullah: 

An event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the founding era of the United Nations was held in London, reflecting on the organisation’s origins and its continuing role in global peace and security. The commemoration marked a historic moment from 17 January 1946, when the United Nations Security Council held its very first meeting in London, just months after the end of the Second World War. That inaugural session laid the foundations of the Council’s work, including the adoption of provisional rules of procedure, the election of officers, and the establishment of key committees.

Discussions at the first meeting focused on preventing future conflicts, the use of armed forces to maintain international peace, and coordination between the Security Council, the General Assembly, and other UN bodies. From the outset, the emphasis was on collective decision-making and dialogue to prevent a return to the devastation of war.

Speaking at the London event, Mozmil Hussain, Vice Chair of the United Nations Association of Eastbourne, expressed pride in attending the commemoration and highlighting the continued relevance of the UN’s founding principles. The participation of senior UN representatives, including the Secretary-General, underscored the significance of the anniversary. Eighty years on, the UN Security Council continues to address global conflicts, oversee peacekeeping missions, and respond to urgent international crises, work that remains firmly rooted in the principles established during its first meeting in London. The event offered attendees a chance to reflect on the UN’s history and its ongoing mission to promote peace, cooperation, and multilateral solutions in an increasingly complex world.