By the UNA-Atlanta Communications Team
On Oct. 24, the United Nations Association of Atlanta partnered with the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC) to host a memorable United Nations Day celebration at Georgia State University’s Office of International Initiatives, marking the UN’s 80th anniversary and reaffirming Atlanta’s commitment to global cooperation, peace and sustainability.
Guests were welcomed with a slice of the UN80 cake, beautifully designed in the UN’s signature blue and white, followed by music, networking and photo opportunities with event signage—a joyful prelude to a meaningful afternoon of reflection and dialogue.
Iesha Baldwin, UNA-Atlanta vice president of membership, opened the program and introduced Tracy Gray, president of UNA-Atlanta, who offered welcome remarks and introduced Dr. Ethan Trinh, associate director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center at Georgia State University.
Trinh spoke about how the Atlanta Global Studies Center’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ work in fostering intercultural understanding, global education and research partnerships that connect Atlanta to the world. Trinh's remarks emphasized the importance of education and collaboration in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. AGSC looks for partnerships and collaboration in and beyond Atlanta to make lasting impacts for and with all.
Following Trinh’s address, Gray delivered the keynote message, “Celebrating 80 Years Forward,” reflecting on the UN’s enduring vision of peace, equality and shared prosperity. He encouraged attendees to carry the mission of the UN forward by advocating locally for global change.
The program culminated with a Partners in Peace discussion, moderated by Gray and featuring Georgia State University – Perimeter College professors Dr. Deborah Manson, professor of English, and Dr. Joseph Bagley, associate professor of history. Manson and Bagley brought both depth and energy to the celebration, sharing their knowledge of Atlanta’s historic role in international engagement, civil rights and community empowerment. They highlighted the innovative work of the Partners in Peace initiative, an international collaboration coordinated through the Nobel Peace Center that connects academic institutions dedicated to fostering dialogue, understanding and peace worldwide. Their insights sparked engaging dialogue with attendees, emphasizing the ways local initiatives can connect to global goals and demonstrating why Atlanta continues to serve as a model for civic leadership and global collaboration.
To learn more about Georgia State University’s participation in Partners in Peace, see the story from Georgia State News.
As the celebration concluded, attendees were invited to deepen their engagement by joining the United Nations Association of Atlanta, contributing to a growing network of global citizens working to advance peace, human rights and sustainable development.
Together, UNA-Atlanta and its partners celebrated not only 80 years of the United Nations but also Atlanta’s leadership in fostering dialogue, understanding and action for a better world.
To learn more about the Atlanta Global Studies Center, contact Dr. Trinh ([email protected]) or visit the Atlanta Global Studies Center online.
On Oct. 24, the United Nations Association of Atlanta partnered with the Atlanta Global Studies Center (AGSC) to host a memorable United Nations Day celebration at Georgia State University’s Office of International Initiatives, marking the UN’s 80th anniversary and reaffirming Atlanta’s commitment to global cooperation, peace and sustainability.
Guests were welcomed with a slice of the UN80 cake, beautifully designed in the UN’s signature blue and white, followed by music, networking and photo opportunities with event signage—a joyful prelude to a meaningful afternoon of reflection and dialogue.
Iesha Baldwin, UNA-Atlanta vice president of membership, opened the program and introduced Tracy Gray, president of UNA-Atlanta, who offered welcome remarks and introduced Dr. Ethan Trinh, associate director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center at Georgia State University.
Trinh spoke about how the Atlanta Global Studies Center’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ work in fostering intercultural understanding, global education and research partnerships that connect Atlanta to the world. Trinh's remarks emphasized the importance of education and collaboration in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. AGSC looks for partnerships and collaboration in and beyond Atlanta to make lasting impacts for and with all.
Following Trinh’s address, Gray delivered the keynote message, “Celebrating 80 Years Forward,” reflecting on the UN’s enduring vision of peace, equality and shared prosperity. He encouraged attendees to carry the mission of the UN forward by advocating locally for global change.
The program culminated with a Partners in Peace discussion, moderated by Gray and featuring Georgia State University – Perimeter College professors Dr. Deborah Manson, professor of English, and Dr. Joseph Bagley, associate professor of history. Manson and Bagley brought both depth and energy to the celebration, sharing their knowledge of Atlanta’s historic role in international engagement, civil rights and community empowerment. They highlighted the innovative work of the Partners in Peace initiative, an international collaboration coordinated through the Nobel Peace Center that connects academic institutions dedicated to fostering dialogue, understanding and peace worldwide. Their insights sparked engaging dialogue with attendees, emphasizing the ways local initiatives can connect to global goals and demonstrating why Atlanta continues to serve as a model for civic leadership and global collaboration.
To learn more about Georgia State University’s participation in Partners in Peace, see the story from Georgia State News.
As the celebration concluded, attendees were invited to deepen their engagement by joining the United Nations Association of Atlanta, contributing to a growing network of global citizens working to advance peace, human rights and sustainable development.
Together, UNA-Atlanta and its partners celebrated not only 80 years of the United Nations but also Atlanta’s leadership in fostering dialogue, understanding and action for a better world.
To learn more about the Atlanta Global Studies Center, contact Dr. Trinh ([email protected]) or visit the Atlanta Global Studies Center online.
Dr. Ethan Trinh, associate director of Atlanta Global Studies Center at Georgia State University — "We don't do this work by ourselves," said Trinh. "We do this work with a community. I believe that each and every one of you here knows the power of collective efforts and communities."
Dr. Deborah Manson, professor of English, and Dr. Joseph Bagley, associate professor of history, both from Georgia State University – Perimeter College, lead a compelling Partners in Peace discussion, delighting attendees with insights on Atlanta’s role in international initiatives during UNA-Atlanta’s UN Day celebration on Oct. 24, 2025.
Photo: Molly Read Woo
