United Nations leaders lamented the state of global affairs as the General Assembly marked its 80th anniversary. The milestone was commemorated with a conference at Methodist Central Hall in London on January 17, 2026, the same location where the inaugural UN General Assembly convened in 1946.

The anniversary served as a moment for reflection on the UN's original mission of fostering international cooperation and preventing future conflicts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the conference, highlighting the growing challenges to multilateralism and global peace.

The first UN General Assembly meeting took place in the aftermath of World War II, with representatives from 51 nations gathering to promote diplomacy. Then-U.S. Secretary of State James F. Byrnes emphasized the need for continued collaboration, stating, "We won the war by fighting together. We must now preserve the peace by working together." Eleanor Roosevelt also spoke at the assembly, underscoring the significance of global cooperation.

Despite the initial hopes, the world continues to face numerous crises, including armed conflicts, humanitarian disasters, and climate change. These challenges have prompted discussions among world leaders about the UN's effectiveness and the need for reform.