On Thursday, Jan. 30, Paul R. Seger, ambassador of Switzerland, presents “The UN at 68: Close to Retirement or Still Able to Tackle Global Challenges?” Presented by the Office of International Affairs as part of its Global Dialogue Series, the talk is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Castle Mirror Room.

Since 2010, Seger has served as the permanent representative of Switzerland to the United Nations (UN). Before presenting his credentials to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in 2010, he served as head of the Directorate of International Law and legal adviser of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Berne; as ambassador of Switzerland to the Principality of Liechtenstein; as head of the Swiss Delegation to the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine (CCNR) (2003-2009); as president of the CNNR (2006-2007); and as a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Founded in 1945 by 51 countries, the United Nations is an international organization committed to maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The UN can take action on a wide range of issues through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. Today, the UN encompasses 193 Member States.