Grand Duke Calls for Restoring Trust, Strengthening Multilateralism at UN

On Tuesday 22 September 2026, Grand Duke Guillaume delivered his first speech in New York before the United Nations General Assembly as Head of State, as part of the general debate of the 81st session.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) brings together the UN’s 193 Member States. Every year, its general debate brings numerous Heads of State and Government to New York to present their countries’ positions on major international issues and exchange views on the challenges facing the international community.

The Maison du Grand-Duc reported that from the United Nations podium, the Grand Duke reaffirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to the UN, international law and a rules-based international order. In the face of an increasingly fragmented world, he placed trust at the heart of his address and called for stronger international cooperation.

Trust at the heart of multilateralism

Referring to the crises and challenges currently placing the international order under pressure, Luxembourg’s Head of State specifically referred to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, conflicts that primarily affect civilian populations, as well as the consequences of climate change, particularly for small island developing states.

“Multilateralism may be imperfect. But disenchantment should lead us to reform, not to dismissal. The question is therefore not whether we still need multilateralism. The question is whether we have the courage to make it better,” said Grand Duke Guillaume.

The Grand Duke emphasised that for Luxembourg multilateralism is based on the conviction that major international challenges cannot be addressed sustainably by states acting alone, but require dialogue, cooperation and common rules. Multilateral institutions and international law enable every state to make its voice heard and participate in the search for common solutions.

Luxembourg, a voice in the service of international cooperation

Grand Duke Guillaume also reaffirmed Luxembourg’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2031–2032 term. Recalling the country’s experience as an elected member of the Security Council in 2013 and 2014, he highlighted the role elected members can play in bringing positions closer together and helping to find common ground.

Trusting the younger generations

In his address, Grand Duke Guillaume also gave particular attention to younger generations. The Grand Duke called for trust to be placed in them, for them to be given responsibilities, and for them to be involved in responses to the major transformations of our time, particularly those related to artificial intelligence and new technologies. He also highlighted the role of education in developing critical thinking, creativity and a sense of responsibility.

Moreover, the Grand Duke recalled Luxembourg’s commitment to the three pillars of the United Nations — peace and security, human rights and development — as well as its support for reforming multilateral institutions to make them more representative and more effective.

In conclusion, Luxembourg’s Head of State framed this call for trust and collective action as a responsibility towards future generations:

“Young people do not expect us to solve every challenge. But they do expect us to try. They expect us to act with responsibility. And above all, they expect us not to lose faith in our ability to shape a better future.”

Caption: (L-R) Grand Duke Guillaume; António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

Credit: UN Photo/Ariana Lindquist