Calls for renewed hope and conviction on UN Day

By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

On 24 October, the United Nations marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN charter.

The UN was born from the ashes of the Second World War, with the ratification of its founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.

In a message for the UN Day 2022, Secretary-General António Guterres described the organization formed as a place where the world’s nations can gather, discuss common problems and find shared solutions as “the product of hope” to “move beyond global conflict to global cooperation.”

Tested, yet made for moments like this

“Today, our organization is being tested like never before. But the United Nations was made for moments like this,” Mr. Guterres said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world.”

Highlighting the essential nature of the UN in the world, the Secretary-General said the organization is “giving peace a chance and ending conflicts that jeopardize lives, futures and global progress.”

UN Day, celebrated annually, also offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the organization for the past 77 years.

Reducing poverty, inequalities

Mr. Guterres further noted the UN’s role in working to reduce poverty and inequalities and rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN is also working to safeguard the planet, including by “breaking our addiction to fossil fuels and kickstarting the renewable energy revolution.”

He also highlighted how the organization is “balancing the scales of opportunity and freedom for women and girls” and ensuring human rights for all.

“As we mark UN Day,” Mr. Guterres said, “let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity.”