This interactive lesson will present the key principles of multilateralism, introduce international organizations as naturally multilateral entities, and provide an overview of the main organizations of this type currently active around the world. Next, the lesson will focus on the United Nations as an example of a large international organization (which turns 80 this year!) and provide an overview of its history, mandate, strengths, areas for improvement, and options for future reform, including in light of the outcomes of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (held in New York in September 2025).
