Note: The European Centre for Socio-Economic, Technological and Environmental Research has announced the conference “Rebuilding Multilateralism: Europe’s Role in UN Reform.” The conference on 3 December, 2025, in Brussels is a high-level dialogue on the urgent need for a renewed multilateral order and the pivotal role the European Union can play in shaping UN reform.
The event gathers MEPs, UN experts, diplomats, and civil society representatives to rethink the architecture of global governance and launch a call to action for a more just, inclusive and effective multilateral system.
The streaming link will be sent to the registered email one day prior to the event, to the email address provided in this form.
Institutional greetings: Marco Tarquinio, MEP (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti, Head of the S&D Delegation
Moderated by: Alfonso Scarano, Vice-President of CERSTE – European Centre for Socio-Economic, Technological and Environmental Research
With:
Pasquale Ferrara, H.E. Ambassador, Director General for Political and Security Affairs;
Luigi Ferrajoli, Jurist and legal philosopher;
Wamuyu Wachira, Co-President of Pax Christi International;
Martha Inés Romero, Secretary General of Pax Christi International;
Franco Dinelli, Center for Socio-Economic Studies – Pax Christi;
Alfonso Zardi, Council of Europe;
Ghislain Le Ray, Co-representative of Pax Christi International to UNESCO.
Registration: https://forms.gle/w8yduZFKJbQ6LDHm7
MANIFESTO FOR A NEW CENTRALITY OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND FOR AUTHENTIC MULTILATERALISM
The United Nations (UN), born from the ashes of two world wars, was conceived as the universal forum for peace and cooperation. Today, however, its capacity to act as an impartial and universal body is being tested by disproportionate power dynamics, economic pressures, and limitations in the full representation of all peoples and States.
Current geopolitical tensions have exposed structural weaknesses: the use of the veto, the overwhelming influence of certain global actors, and the marginalisation of delegations and communities that do not yet enjoy full international recognition all constitute obstacles to the UN’s original mission. These economic and political pressures undermine the independence of the Organisation, transforming it from a neutral arbiter into a stage for asymmetric geopolitical interests. To restore its legitimacy and centrality, the UN must demonstrate that it is truly a multilateral institution, a place of dialogue and protection for the most vulnerable.
The European Union (EU), born from a commitment to peace and cooperation among historically divided peoples and founded on the principles of cooperation, law, and multilateralism, has the opportunity to assume a proactive and responsible role in renewing global multilateralism. The EU can leverage its economic weight and diplomatic network to push for reform of the Security Council and for greater respect for international law, acting as a bridge between different delegations and promoting the inclusion of weaker voices.
In this context, consideration of a possible transfer of the UN headquarters to Strasbourg could represent a step toward genuinely multipolar governance, rooted in a territory that symbolises reconciliation and European cooperation. Hosting the UN in Strasbourg could instill in the Organisation a renewed sense of neutrality and universality, in a city already devoted to institutional dialogue and peacebuilding.
A truly multilateral vision requires coherence between principles and practice.
To support the construction of a more just and peaceful international order, the European Union itself is called to a renewed commitment to institutional sobriety and responsibility in the use of common resources.
The presence of multiple institutional seats — Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg — has historically represented the Union’s pluralism and the value of European reconciliation. However, it also carries significant costs and operational complexities that today challenge Europe’s political and moral conscience. In the context of a potential reflection on hosting the United Nations in Strasbourg, it becomes even more essential for the European Union to provide a credible example of good governance by promoting: greater harmonisation of institutional seats, considering forms of simplification and reduction of periodic travel, so as to strengthen Strasbourg’s role as a symbol of peace and international dialogue;
a more transparent and responsible use of public resources, decisively directing funds toward human and global priorities such as cooperation, development, peacebuilding, and the promotion of the inviolable rights of individuals and peoples.
Only by choosing the path of coherence, sobriety, and shared responsibility can Europe offer credible leadership and become an inspiring force for UN reform that ensures dignity, fairness, and inclusiveness for all nations.
Peace is not affirmed solely through treaties and institutions.
Peace takes root in justice, grows through transparency, and flourishes where institutions become living signs of fraternity among peoples.
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