(October 24, 2008) The world celebrates the United Nations day. The anniversary
of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been
celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout
the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the
Organization. Traditionally, UN Day is marked by an international concert in the
General Assembly Hall. Sometimes, special events are arranged, electronically linking
the UN with cities around the world. In his message the Secretary General Ban Ki
Moon said: "We will be judged in the future on the actions we take today -- on results.
On this United Nations Day, let us rededicate ourselves to achieving them."Speaking
on the functioning of the United Nations he said: “This is a crucial year in the life
of our United Nations. We have just passed the midpoint in the struggle to reach the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - our common vision for building a better world
in the 21st century. We can see more clearly than ever that the threats of the 21st
century spare no one. Climate change, the spread of disease and deadly weapons, and
the scourge of terrorism all cross borders. If we want to advance the global common
good, we must secure global public goods.”He also expressed his deep concern about
the impact of the global financial crisis. Never have leadership and partnership been
more important, he said. Partnership is the way of the future. Just look at the advances
on malaria. Our global malaria effort has brought us within range of containing a
disease that kills a child every 30 seconds, he added. We need models like these
to tackle other challenges, including climate change, said Ban Ki Moon.