The Foundation
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Let's forget for a moment our fears about the state of the world — it is neither useful nor constructive.
The shortcomings of the UN system have been
acknowledged for decades, even if it now seems to us to have reached its peak. And yet, this imperfect system has survived the immediate post-war period, the Cold War, and the world(s) that emerged after September 11, 2001.

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It is not impossible that it will also withstand current tensions. Ultimately, the nature of its resilience remains unknown. However, this does not mean that the silent majority should passively accept the system at hand, relinquishing the pursuit of one that
is better suited to our times.
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Much has been said about a crisis of multilateralism. Perhaps so. But it is not multilateralism itself that is in crisis, rather its form that is somehow evolving. In truth, multilateralism has already adapted, changed significantly, and continues to reinvent itself before our eyes. It advances through exclusions, self-exclusions, and new inclusions. It returns to more traditional forms of relations between governments, while inviting civil society and the private sector to co-participate in decision-making. The recent context of negotiations on a global treaty on plastics highlights the difficulties encountered, but it also triggers a broad awakening.

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Launched by the UN several years ago, the process seems extremely slow. It is worth keeping in mind nuanced, granular analyses. While the UN Security Council may be blocked, and divided, the General Assembly has not necessarily lost its purpose. Its revitalization could come through more specific tasks or by fostering reflection on the state of the world and shared visions for its future. Could this be one of the keys to rethinking the UN system? Is there a way to reimagine this role? As for the UN
agencies, at least those based in the Geneva area, they show undeniable signs of vitality and achievement. The pandemic treaty under negotiation at WHO, despite a severe budget crisis, is a recent example.

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The current great disorder is most likely temporary. Before speaking of an overhaul of the UN system, perhaps we should first take a more constructive look at the record of UN agencies (a pillar of International Geneva), of national and transnational civil society, and of national and transnational private sectors. Some of these may need to undergo painful yet perhaps necessary streamlining to
increase their effectiveness and efficiency. Others may continue their work much as they do today. Still others might undergo profound reform.

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In any case, International Geneva, compelled to reinvent itself, could, and perhaps should, remain the hub for sectoral governance, integrated policy thinking, and decision-making in the general interest. It is where climate and human rights issues, global health and trade, along with other crucial matters, are debated — all in pursuit of a common goal: peace.

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Indeed, might this blend of sectoral and integrated work be both the lowest common denominator and Geneva’s greatest added value, a place where peace and cooperation between nations, and between state and non-state actors alike, are shaped? Geneva’s immense comparative advantage lies in its density and diversity of actors and organisations working on the most critical issues for peace and the future of our planet: health, climate, human rights, humanitarian action, labour, trade, intellectual property, standards, and telecommunications.

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Where else in the world would be better placed than Geneva to become the nerve centre for dialogue and governance on the delicate issue of regulating artificial intelligence? Or outer space? The international organisation most capable and best equipped to host such efforts already exists — why reinvent it? On the contrary, we should strengthen its resources and influence.

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If it is conceivable that some international institutions have run their course, it is equally useful to imagine other scenarios. One, among others, might take inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, which restores broken objects by highlighting the repairs with gold seams. This art does not aim to conceal flaws but to transform them into aesthetic features that tell the object’s story. Would it not be wise to restore with care, without discarding or trampling on what has been achieved? Not embalming, but rather injecting fresh dynamism into institutions whose core principles are sound and globally minded.

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Whatever happens, let us remember that Geneva was the cradle of the first wave of internationalism, the League of Nations; it became the roots of internationalism and multilateralism in the latter half of the twentieth century and the first quarter of our own. It has the know-how, expertise, networks, density, diversity, respect for others, and the Swiss tradition of dialogue, all invaluable assets that would be costly to reproduce elsewhere.

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Geneva is well placed to once again be the cradle of
internationalism and new multilateralism, meant to be a pragmatic, open, inclusive, and respectful multilateralism, built on a fundamental common denominator: working to improve the human condition on our planet. And with the improvement of the human condition comes peace.

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The Portail des Nations, the new UN Visitors’ Centre in Geneva, will open its doors in March 2026. With no complacency and through its own immersive journey, it will continue the reflection on the true challenges of a reinvented multilateralism.

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Ivan Pictet

President

Portail des Nations Foundation

80 years after the adoption of the United Nations Charter, a new learning space is taking shape in Geneva

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A new space to make multilateralism accessible to all
Despite today's challenging context, nations still come together every day in Geneva to moderate conflicts, tackle climate change, respond to health and economic crises, and navigate through the massive impact of technological change. But how does this system–this thing called multilateralism–actually work? Who makes the decisions, and how do they affect our lives?

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With this in mind the Fondation Portail des Nations has developed the Portail des Nations. A place of inspiration–open to everyone–to explore how international cooperation works, why it matters, and how it shapes our shared future.

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A strong statement for UN Geneva, an invitation to learn and understand

Right now, the Portail des Nations is under construction at the entrance of the Palais des Nations in Geneva—the European headquarters of the United Nations. From now on, you can follow the story online. And from March 2026, you will be able to experience it in person through an interactive, immersive journey.

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No matter who you are, where you are from, what you do, or what you believe in, the Portail des Nations is for you. Step inside to explore how multilateralism works—its fundamentals, its history, its key players, its successes, its challenges—and most importantly, its impact on all of us.

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Why does it matter?

Because whether we realize it or not, the decisions made in international meetings—or the failure to make them—affect every one of us.

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They determine our right to clean air and safe water, to healthcare, to safety, to education, and to decent working conditions. They shape how we safeguard our individual rights, protect our communities and our biodiversity. They remain the pathway to peace.

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If we want to be part of the conversations that define our future, we first need to understand how these systems work. Who is at the table. What is at stake. And how cooperation—even with all its imperfections—is still our best shot at solving global issues.

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Understanding is the first step toward action. And action, together, is how we move forward.

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We, the people of the United Nations, resonate in today’s context more powerfully than ever.

Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of war, countries came together around a simple but powerful idea: that dialogue, cooperation, and shared rules are better than conflict.

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That’s how the United Nations was born—and how the Charter still guides its mission today. Of course, the UN is not perfect—but it can improve. It is a reflection of ourselves: unique, complex, sometimes frustrating, yet indispensable. It mirrors the tensions, aspirations, and contradictions of humanity as a whole.

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But it remains, with its 193 Member States, the most universal tool we have to work
together across borders.

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Be part of something bigger

Join us today. Sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on social media. You will get behind-the-scenes insights, sneak peeks of the immersive
experience, and stories about the people, and actions that make multilateralism work.
And from March 2026, come in Geneva experience it for yourself. Tickets will go on sale end of September 2025. Don’t miss the chance to step through the
Portail des Nations from day one.
Let’s open together the Portail des Nations.

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Tatjana Darani

Directrice exécutive

Fondation Portail des Nations

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