2026 has already been marked by profound geopolitical upheaval.

Although differing in scale and context, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and the US intervention in Venezuela point to a common trend: the re-emergence of a world order shaped by spheres of influence, where power increasingly overrides rules and norms.

The return of “might makes right” comes at a symbolic moment; in January 2026, the United Nations marks the 80th anniversary of its first General Assembly. Held at London’s Methodist Central Hall, the 51 founding states of the UN gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the newly adopted UN Charter.

Eighty years on, the UN now comprises 193 Member States and its founding Charter remains ill-equipped to address contemporary challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and shifting patterns of conflict. Recent crises continue to expose the organisation’s inability to safeguard international peace and security.

As the post-World War II international order gives way to increasing disorder, calls are mounting to rethink the rules of global governance - both to improve the UN’s effectiveness and to respond to demands for greater representation and legitimacy.

This event explores how meaningful reform might be achieved, and the role the UK, as a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, can play in reimagining international governance. Speakers examine pathways toward a more equitable and resilient global order, one rooted in multilateralism and collective decision-making rather than power politics and self-interest.