Date: September 10, 2025
Doors Open: 8:45 AM with morning refreshments
Event starts: 9:15–10:30 AM
Location: Nordic House, Reykjavik

The United Nations Association of Iceland, in collaboration with the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland, invites you to an open breakfast meeting at the Nordic House on September 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The event provides a platform for discussions on multilateral cooperation, with a special focus on the United Nations, and how Iceland can contribute and respond to the challenges of the future. The meeting will bring together perspectives from international work, academia, and civil society.

Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of the UN in strengthening and ensuring international solidarity, as well as discussing the opportunities and responsibilities that small states like Iceland have in the context of multilateral cooperation.

To initiate the conversation, four experts will share their reflections on the UN, addressing its historical context, achievements, opportunities in times of transformation, and visions for the future. Following the presentations, the moderator will pose questions to the speakers before opening the floor for audience participation and discussion.

Speakers:

• Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland (2016–2024), Professor of History, University of Iceland
• Árni M. Mathiesen, Expert at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and former Minister of Finance and Fisheries 
• Helen María Ólafsdóttir, Advisor on Security and Development Affairs
• Þorgerður María Þorbjarnardóttir – Chair of Landvernd (The Icelandic Environment Association)

Moderator: Bogi Ágústsson, Journalist

This event is open to everyone interested in international affairs, politics, human rights, and Iceland’s global outlook — including government officials, academics, students, and members of the public who follow the work of the United Nations.

Please note: The meeting will be conducted in Icelandic.

Doors will open at 8:45 AM with morning refreshments, and the program will begin at 9:15 AM.

Attendees are encouraged to register here to help us plan for coffee and light refreshments.