The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called countries around the world to strengthen their commitment to multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Guterres made the call on the occasion of UN Day, celebrated on October 24, 2024.
In his message, Guterres underscored the UN’s role since its founding in 1945 as a platform for nations to work together on peace, development, and humanitarian issues.
He highlighted the importance of the United Nations in finding solutions to today’s most pressing issues, including poverty eradication, sustainable development, conflict resolution, and the fight for equality, particularly for women and girls.
“The United Nations was built by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems,” he said.
The Secretary-General also pointed to the growing need for the UN to tackle modern challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and space exploration.
Guterres drew attention to significant milestones achieved during the General Assembly in September, notably the adoption of the “Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations.
“Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms, and rejuvenates so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.”
While the organisation continues to reform and modernize, the Secretary-General reaffirmed that the UN’s core mission remains rooted in the values of the UN Charter and the protection of human rights and dignity for all people.
“In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough. Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity, and a thriving planet.
“Hope requires all countries to work as one. Hope requires the United Nations,” Guterres said, calling for concrete, collective action to achieve peace, shared prosperity, and a sustainable future.
The Secretary-General concluded by urging all nations to continue supporting the ideals of the UN.