UN@80 Campaign with China and “One World: Shared Future” Visual Exhibition Launched in Beijing

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, underscored the significance of the UN’s 80th anniversary as a time to reflect and recommit to multilateralism. He highlighted that the UN@80 Campaign with China is "a shared opportunity, not merely to reflect on past achievements, but to vigorously reaffirm the UN's purpose in a rapidly changing world. It is the story of a partnership in action, a legacy of peace, prosperity, and sustainability that we are determined to build upon."

In her video remarks, Ms. Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, reflected on the UN’s founding vision and its continued relevance, stating: “The United Nations embodies humanity's highest aspirations.” 

She welcomed China’s strong support for multilateralism and emphasized the need to uphold the UN Charter’s values of peace, equality, and dignity as the world looks ahead.

Mr. Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Centre Committee and President of China Media Group, reaffirmed strong support for the work of the United Nations in China and around the world, emphasizing the enduring significance of multilateralism and China’s continued commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. Highlighting the vision of global cooperation and a shared future, he stated in his video remarks, “eighty years is but a blink in the long course of human history, but it is long enough to transform the world in our journey for peace and development.”

As part of the event was the award ceremony for the UN@80 Global Youth Visual Challenge, launched by CGTN earlier this year under the theme “One World: Shared Future”. The Challenge received over 56,000 entries from 51 countries, including video and photography submissions across eight key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) themes such as peace, poverty eradication, and education. The winning works reflected the creativity, vision, and commitment of young people worldwide in supporting the UN’s values and mission.

Following the ceremony, guests were guided through the "One World: Shared Future" Visual Exhibition, featuring selected works from the Youth Challenge, and photographs showcasing the UN agencies' work in China, made possible through the strong support from the UN Communications Group in China. The special session is a tribute to the enduring partnership between the UN system and China, a journey that has evolved over the past 45 years as the UN has witnessed China's rapid development and increased global engagement.

The event served as the first in a series of events in China marking the UN@80 campaign, which will feature a Beijing Metro initiative, an online social media campaign, and several onsite events. The campaign aims to honour the UN's 80-year legacy, foster inclusive dialogue, celebrate partnerships, and amplify voices for sustainable development.

As the world observes the 80th anniversary of the UN, this year's 80th session of the UN General Assembly calls for renewed multilateral cooperation and shared action for people and planet. Echoing this global call, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reflected on the UN's founding ideals, reminding us that "peace is the most courageous, the most practical, the most necessary pursuit of all." The launch of the UN@80 campaign invites reflection on past achievements and inspires collective action toward a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future for all.