EU-UN: Stronger Together - 80 Years On

The European Union and the United Nations this week highlighted the continued relevance of multilateral cooperation, with a dedicated UN photo exhibition "Shared Lives, Shared Future". The event was hosted by the EEAS and jointly opened by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, together the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

Standing together for multilateralism, human rights and international rules-based order

Originally launched at UN Headquarters in New York in October 2025 to mark the UN's 80th anniversary, the exhibition has since travelled around the world. Now in Brussels, hosted at the EEAS throughout March, the exhibition highlights the enduring relevance of multilateral cooperation and EU's steadfast commitment to the United Nations.

The European Union will always be a solid and reliable partner to the United Nations.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

This commitment matters more than ever. From conflict prevention to climate action and democratic governance, both the EU and UN were built to respond to global crises, and must continue to do so today.

A reliable partner: the EU provides around one third of UN funding

The EU is not just a political ally - it is a major and consistent financial contributor to the UN system. Providing around one third of UN funding, including €3.9 billion in voluntary contributions in 2024, the EU and its Member States are a substantial and reliable partner to the United Nations. They play a key role in ensuring that UN agencies can operate effectively worldwide.

Beyond funding, the EU is closely engaged in the UN ecosystem:

• 20,800 EU nationals work across the UN system

• Europe hosts several major UN hubs, including Geneva, Vienna, Rome and Bonn

• EU companies supply nearly 18% of UN procurement

This makes the EU not only a donor, but a key partner supporting the UN's work worldwide.

Impact: delivering results on the ground

European Union, 2026

In a world where a record 117 persons are forced to flee conflict and persecution, the EU-UN partnership contributes to improving lives worldwide from humanitarian aid to development and climate action. It also supports elections, advances human rights and promotes progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a world rife with recklessness, adventurism, and militarism, in this era marked by brutality, impunity, and indifference, we need reliable (…) stable partners more than ever.

Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

Background

The "Shared Lives, Shared Future" exhibition showcases how the United Nations system improves lives every day, often in ways people may not realise, from fighting hunger and supporting peace to advancing digital access, climate resilience and gender equality to coordinating international telephone roaming, civil aviation safety or weather forecasting. The stories illustrate the connection that exists between every-day life and global challenges and solutions.

The project is co-organised by the UN Department of Global Communications with the Permanent Missions of Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland in New York. It has been developed through the 59 UN Information Centres around the world along with the rest of the United Nations system, and generated more than 1,000 contributions - demonstrating the reach and relevance of the United Nations today.

The exhibition has travelled beyond the walls of UN Headquarters. Local physical versions have been launched in Abuja, Ankara, Bahrain, Brasília, Canberra, Copenhagen, Geneva, Moscow, Nairobi, Tunis and Warsaw, and more are planned throughout 2026. At each location, different stories are chosen and displayed with the local audience in mind.

Read more about theUN@80 Photo Exhibition - "Shared Lives, Shared Future"

Learn more about the EU-UN Cooperation

Learn more about the EU Financial Support to the UN