On 11 November 2026, UNU will host “Renewing Multilateralism: France’s Perspective on Collective Action in a Changing World”, a conversation with Jean-Louis Falconi, French diplomat and Director of the United Nations, International Organizations, Human Rights, and Francophonie, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. The event will start at 18:30 in the 2F Reception Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
As geopolitical balances shift, strategic competition intensifies and the United Nations faces growing pressure to adapt, the need for effective collective responses to global challenges has become increasingly urgent. From international security and humanitarian crises to rapid technological change, strengthening multilateral cooperation will be essential for addressing challenges that no country can tackle alone. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of NATO and the current chair of the G7, France plays a significant role across multiple multilateral forums.
Jean-Louis Falconi will join United Nations University Chief of Staff Michael Baldock to discuss France’s perspective on building a more action-oriented, effective and legitimate multilateral system. The conversation will explore prospects for United Nations reform, the development of new partnerships and coalitions, and ways to strengthen international cooperation in response to emerging global challenges. The discussion will consider how France approaches renewed forms of cooperation and how existing institutions, new partnerships and collective initiatives can contribute to more coordinated and concrete responses to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
This event is part of the UNU Conversation Series, which aims to foster audience participation. You are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all event attendees are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
This event will be in English. Advance registration (by 10 November at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page. Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
Food and photography are prohibited during events at UNU Headquarters, unless prior permission is granted by UNU. We also ask guests to be aware of the following event-related policies:
- UNU Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment at UNU Events
- UNU Data Protection Notice for Meetings and Events
About the speaker
Jean-Louis Falconi is a French diplomat and Director for the United Nations, International Organizations, Human Rights and Francophonie at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, a position he has held since September 2026.
From 2021 to 2026, he served as France’s representative on the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors and as Director of the International Relations Division at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). He previously served as Ambassador of France to Serbia from 2019 to 2021 and as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna from 2016 to 2019.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Falconi held senior positions dealing with European, foreign and security policy, including at the French Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Representation of France to the European Union and the European Commission. From 2009 to 2013, he served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the European Union’s Political and Security Committee.
