UN celebrates 71st anniversary with 17 goals

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

This year’s observance of United Nations Day occurs at a time of transition for the world and for the UN.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon made the remark in his message on the occasion of the UN Day.

“Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfill the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet,” Ban Ki-moon said.

“The world is also moving at long last beyond the mindset which viewed the burning of fossil fuels as the path to prosperity.  At a time of record heat, Member States have embraced the Paris Agreement on climate change in record time.  This landmark measure will enter into force on November 4. Across that historic threshold lies our best chance for greener, cleaner, low-carbon growth.

The UN is also in transition, from its eighth Secretary-General to the ninth.  “I have been honored to serve “we the peoples” for the past ten years,” UN Secretary-General said.

“Together, we have put in place some solid foundations for shared progress – which we must build on by working even harder to empower women, engage youth and uphold human rights for all.  But we have also suffered enormous heartbreak -- including unresolved conflicts causing immense suffering throughout the troubled Middle East, South Sudan, the Sahel and beyond.  On these and other frontlines of violence and disaster, courageous UN staff continue to rise to the occasion and respond to the plight of the vulnerable.”

“I thank people across the world for their support -- and urge all to give their full backing to Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres in continuing our global mission of peace, sustainable development and human rights,” Ban Ki-moon emphasized.

October 24 has been celebrated as UN Day since 1948. In 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.