Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset wrapped up a full week of high-level diplomacy at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). From the plight of Ukrainian children to the defence of democracy, the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, our joint actions with the UN on gender equality and counter-terrorism, and new global partnerships, the Council of Europe used its voice to bring European values into global debates.
Restoring childhood and humanity in Ukraine
At the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Secretary General Berset reaffirmed the Council of Europe's commitment to ensuring accountability for crimes against children.
President Zelenskyy declared: "The crimes must be stopped, the perpetrators must be held accountable, and the children of Ukraine must be brought home."
Prime Minister Carney stressed that peace will only be real once families are reunited.
"Each day Russia's war of aggression continues is a day taken from Ukraine's children," said Alain Berset. "The children of Ukraine hold a special place in our work at the Council of Europe. They are at the heart of our Action Plan for Ukraine."
In defence of democracy
Democratic resilience featured prominently throughout the week. At the high-level event "In Defense of Democracy. Fighting Against Extremism," leaders from Latin America and Europe, including Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Gabriel Boric, Pedro Sánchez, and Gustavo Petro, called for renewed commitment.
President Lula called for daily vigilance: "We have to wake up each morning asking, what will I do today for democracy? And when we go to bed at night, we should ask, what did I do today to make it stronger?"
Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz read a joint statement signed by more than 40 Nobel Laureates stressing that "we share one planet, and democracy and multilateralism are essential to protect it."
Alain Berset underlined: "The choice is clear: security with democracy - or no lasting security."
AI, technology and rights
In partnership with UN Women, the Council of Europe co-hosted a side event on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, highlighting how digital tools are too often misused to spread disinformation and normalize abuse. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous warned that the "promise of technology has been hijacked to facilitate violence."
"Violence against women and girls has no place online or offline," Alain Berset said.
At the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event, hosted by ITU and UNDP, Secretary General Alain Berset underlined the stakes of the digital age. "Outrage gets clicks. But outrage cannot be the business model of democracy," he warned. He called for global action to strike the right balance: "The challenge is balance: protection with freedom, innovation with rights."
Equality in focus
Alain Berset also took part in the High-Level Conference marking the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. He underscored that the Council of Europe's core values - human rights, democracy, and the rule of law - are essential to lasting progress for women and girls.
The age of democratic security at Columbia University
Secretary General Berset set out his vision for the future of democracy in a keynote address at Columbia University's World Leaders Forum. Before a packed auditorium of students and faculty, he argued that Europe and the world must rethink security through the lens of democracy:
"If democracy has become a dirty word, then everything we call security is already at risk. Europe must define a strategy for democratic security - one that puts values at the heart of our defence."
In a lively Q&A, students pressed Berset on disinformation, populism, and migration - underscoring that democratic security must be shaped by the next generation.
New global partnerships
Beyond public events, the Council of Europe strengthened cooperation with other regions and institutions:
- International Labour Organization: the Council of Europe joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice, linking its work with the priorities of the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
- International Telecommunication Union: a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin strengthened cooperation between the two organisations.
- Organization of American States, African Union, the League of Arab States: discussions advanced on deepening cooperation between regional organisations.
- Africa: talks with President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique underlined opportunities for cooperation on cybercrime and AI governance.
UNGA80 in a world in crisis
The Council of Europe brought Europe's democratic principles to the global stage, reminding partners that democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are not regional concerns but shared responsibilities.
The Secretary General also held high-level bilateral meetings with several heads of state and government.
At a time when the United Nations is often paralysed, regional organisations can help unlock solutions. The Council of Europe carried a clear message: global cooperation is essential to defend human dignity and freedom where they are most at risk.
New Democratic Pact for Europe
Alain Berset addresses Columbia University
80th United Nations General Assembly
Secretary General Alain Berset
Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
