Quakers mark UN anniversary and warn world cooperation is under threat
Quakers in Britain joined a historic gathering at Methodist Central Hall in London this weekend to mark 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly.
The UN's ideals of cooperation and multilateralism are under threat around the globe today, Quakers warned.
The audience of around 1,000 included faith leaders, ambassadors and government representatives, the UN Secretary-General, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
In his address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the past year as “profoundly challenging" for international cooperation, noting that aid had been cut, inequalities widened, climate breakdown accelerated, and international law “trampled."
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Vengeance brings only ashes
- Oliver Robertson
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He warned that such pressures are putting the principles of the UN under strain.
Quakers have long supported the UN as a vehicle for peace. In 1948, they established the Quaker UN Office (QUNO) to help countries find shared solutions to global problems.
Helen Drewery, clerk of the Quaker United Nations Committee (Geneva), attended the anniversary, highlighting Quakers' commitment to constructive engagement.
Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, said: “Supporting a world in which human dignity guides action is as vital now as it was when the first General Assembly met in 1946.
“We were reminded that we are all less safe when some can act with impunity, and vengeance brings only ashes.
“Cooperation is not weakness, because we can do more together than we can apart."
Speakers also highlighted contemporary threats, including countries pursuing short-term self-interest, the erosion of multilateral agreements, and the rise of unilateral power politics.
For Quakers, the event was a reminder that dialogue, listening, and shared purpose remain essential to sustaining international cooperation.