On Saturday, October 25th the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) celebrated eight remarkable decades of global cooperation, hope, and determination. An unforgettable evening at the Embassy of France in the United States brought together thought leaders and change makers from different sectors under the theme “United for a Better Future.” It was an evening centered on reflection, a shared commitment to progress, and a sincere appreciation for the work that lies ahead.
A special message by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed was shared while guests arrived and enjoyed a networking reception.
Welcome remarks were provided by UNA-NCA President Paula Boland and Board Chair Anne Simmons-Benton, setting the tone for the evening and thanking sponsors, partners and everyone who worked hard to make the celebration possible. Special appreciation was given to UNA-NCA Gala Chair and Board Member, Aaron Poynton. French Ambassador Laurent Bili opened the program with a thoughtful reminder of the power of global partnership. Daniel W. Baker from Accenture, our title sponsor, spoke about how innovation can support peace and development around the world.
UN Information Centre Director Will Davis delivered this year’s UN Day message with clarity and conviction, while CNN’s National Security Correspondent Jim Sciutto emceed and guided each moment with thoughtful commentary.
One of the most moving parts of the evening came from UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Mary Maker. Born in South Sudan and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya, Mary has become a powerful advocate for education and women’s empowerment. She shared her perspective on the future of global cooperation and peace — and on how each of us can help build a more just and united world. Her story from refugee to global advocate shows why the mission of the United Nations is so essential.
Commander Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut, pilot of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Commander of the International Space Station, offered a glimpse into history through the Apollo 11 Flight Plan, the original roadmap that carried humanity to the Moon. Colonel Virts spent more than two hundred days in orbit, leading a truly international crew representing the best of what human cooperation can achieve. The Apollo 11 Flight Plan reproduction was auctioned live to support UNA-NCA’s mission.
Cinémoi President and Grammy-nominated artist Daphna Ziman, performed “Humanity,” a musical tribute to the UN’s enduring mission of peace and human dignity-capturing the shared hope and compassion that unite people across borders. Ms. Ziman was presented the 80th 
Anniversary Humanitarian Award. The 2025 Sustainability Award was presented to Siemens Energy for its leadership in innovation and their partnership in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It was accepted by Mr. Fadi Ghantous.The program concluded with the poem “The Enduring Mission,” a tribute to the UN at 80 by L. M. Levie, CEO of American Industrial Acquisition Corporation, a poet and member of the Explorers Club. It captures the spirit of the UN’s founding — and our shared responsibility to continue its mission.
Through the evening, guests enjoyed music by Michael Francis Haley, Piano d’Amore, and danced with the talented Hathway Band. Over these 80 years the United Nations has become the indispensable forum where nations meet, clash and converse, build consensus and commit to common goals. As we reflected on the journey, we paid tribute to the many milestones which remind us that what we dare to imagine, we can achieve when we act together. We honored the past 80 years by pledging to make the next decades even stronger. We owe that to children yet to be born, to communities still enduring injustice, and to the planet itself.
We recommit — to be bold, to be inclusive, to be persistent, and to act together. Because when nations stand together, when communities engage, when individuals believe, the impossible becomes possible. We marked this 80th anniversary not as an end, but as a powerful new beginning!
Thank you to our leaders, partners, sponsors, staff and volunteers. A special recognition to the UNA-NCA Gala Committee, the Embassy of France in Washington, DC, and our event photographer Emily Campos for their wonderful collaboration and generous support. Emily has extended her generosity by giving photography discounts to federal employees and young professionals in the UNA-NCA network. You can contact her on her site. 2025 UNA-NCA Gala Committee Team: Aaron Poynton, Anne Simmons-Benton, Paula Boland, Kristen Hecht, Amanda Molina, Andrew Doll, Sarah Bassil, Cesar Fernandez, Suchitra Acharjee, Clara Rodriguez Blomberg, Sophia Sampson, and Keyan Sullivan.
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