UN Talks: In defense of global norms and values

13:00-13:45, Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Sverige i Världen - Almedalen, Donnersgatan 6, 621 56 Visby

The multitude of global challenges, including climate change, forced displacement, increasing inequalities, intractable conflicts and erosion of democratic values, calls for strong efforts to defend and champion multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations. Yet, in countries across the globe there is evidence of growing skepticism to existing multilateral arrangements, with international norms being questioned, and increasing support for a retreat to bilateral or unilateral action. In addition, the dynamics of the multilateral system is changing with new strong players both within and outside of its institutions.

What are the implications of these trends for international cooperation and efforts promoting sustainable development, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and human rights? What platforms and strategies can be used to defend global norms and values? Is there a need for new methods and alliances.

Speakers:

• Ulrika Modéer, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP
• Henrik Nordentoft, Director of UNHCR Northern European Office 
• Måns Molander, Sweden and Denmark Director, Human Rights Watch
• Anne Poulsen, Head of UN World Food Programme's Nordic Office
  

Moderator: Per Nordlund, Programme Director, Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation

The seminar is the third in a series of #UNtalks, jointly organised by the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and UNDP Sweden with the aim to contribute to critical reflection and deeper understanding of the role and work of the United Nations.