UN values of peace, development and human rights ‘have no expiry date’
On 24 October, when each year, the Organizsation reaffirms the purposes and principles that have guided it for the past 76 years.
In his message marking the day, the Secretary-General pointed out that 76 years ago, the UN was created as “a vehicle of hope for a world emerging from the shadow of catastrophic conflict”.
“Today”, he added, “the women and men of the UN carry this hope forward around the globe”.
The UN chief observed that while COVID-19, conflicts, hunger, poverty and the climate emergency remind us that our world is far from perfect, they also make clear that “solidarity is the only way forward”.
“We need to come together to tackle great challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Mr. Guterres said this could be done by ensuring that every person, everywhere, has access to COVID-19 vaccines “sooner rather than later” and by seeking an end to the “conflicts that scar our world”.
He also underscored the importance of “securing and upholding the rights and dignity of all people”, especially the poorest and most disadvantaged, girls and women, and children and young people; and building a more inclusive, networked and effective global governance, as detailed in his recent report, Our Common Agenda.
The values of peace, development, human rights, and opportunity for all, which have for the last 76 years have powered the UN Charter, “have no expiry date”, said the top UN official.
“As we mark UN Day, let’s unite behind these ideals, and live up to the full promise, potential and hope of the United Nations”, concluded the Secretary-General.
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