80th anniversary of the end of WWII and UN establishment - what do the next 80 years hold?

The 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII and Formation of the United Nations: What Have We Learned in 80 Years and What Do the Next 80 Hold?

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of two pivotal events in modern history: the end of the Second World War and the establishment of the United Nations. Born from the ashes of global conflict, the UN represented a collective hope for peace, security, and international cooperation. Eight decades on, this panel discussion invites critical reflection on the successes, failures, and ongoing challenges of the post-war global order.

What have we truly learned since 1945 — from genocide, decolonisation, and the Cold War, to climate change, pandemics, and the shifting balance of global power? Did WWII really end? How has the UN adapted, and where has it fallen short? And as we confront an uncertain future — marked by rising authoritarianism, geopolitical instability, technological transformation, and environmental crises — what role can and should multilateral institutions play?  Bringing together a historian, an international relations and security specialist, and the President of the United Nations Association of Australia, WA branch, this Global Futures panel explores the legacies of the last 80 years and looks ahead to the next 80.

Speakers:

Dr Vannessa Hearman, History, Curtin University

Assoc. Professor Alexey Muraviev, International Relations and Strategic Studies, Curtin University

Mr Randhir Amoganathan, President, United Nations Association of Australia (WA Division) Inc.

Facilitator:

 Professor Farida Fozdar, Dean, Global Futures (Humanities), Curtin University.

Location: TL Robertson Library, The Lantern, Level 7, Curtin University

Click here to register