NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24 – Marking UN Day, the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York stressed that the international organization is the most important achievement of the international community. “The UN makes the difference every day for millions of people across the globe”, said the Mission on Twitter recalling that Italy stands with the United Nations in its endeavour for peace, human rights and sustainable development: “Multilateralism matters”.
In his annual message for UN Day this Thursday, Secretary-General António Guterres issued a reminder of the role the Organization should be playing, focusing on the the real problems of real people, as a “shared moral anchor” amid “stormy global seas”. The Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, the founding document of the Organization, which, when ratified by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, officially brought the United Nations into being. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.
“We are working for a fair globalization and bold climate action”, said the UN chief. “We are pushing for human rights and gender equality – and saying ‘no’ to hatred of any kind. And we are striving to maintain peace – while bringing life-saving aid to millions caught up in armed conflict”.
The Day is marked by celebrations at UN offices and missions around the world. Events are scheduled to take place at the Paris headquarters of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), including a conference on sustainable cities. in Southern Lebanon, UNIFIL celebrated the anniversary with a ceremony involving high-ranking military personnel, to pay tribute to the more than 300 peacekeepers who have died whilst serving for peace in the south of the country. General Stefano Del Col, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, said on Twitter that the peacekeepers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the cessation of hostilities and to remain on the path to peace together with the Lebanese Armed Forces: “Proud to be serving for peace in Lebanon, one of 51 founding members of the UN”, said the Italian General.
In his video message, Mr. Guterres looked ahead to next year’s 75th anniversary of the Organization, which he described as a milestone, and a “critical moment to shape our future, together”. The commemoration of the 75 years will begin in January 2020, with dialogues held around the world, with the aim of involving the global public in a large and inclusive conversation, on the role of the UN in building a better future for all. (@OnuItalia)
