The United Nations Day

(October 24, 2009) "The United Nations is doing its utmost to respond — to address the big issues, to look at the big picture. We are forging a new multilateralism that can deliver real results for all people, especially those most in need," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his Message on UN Day, celebrated on 24^th of October 2009. 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. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday. “On this United Nations Day and every day throughout the year, the United Nations is at work for the planet, for jobs, for “we the peoples” said the Secretary General. “We deliver more humanitarian aid than anyone and to the toughest places. We vaccinate 40 per cent of the world’s children. We feed more than 100 million people and are helping more than 30 million refugees, most of them women and children fleeing war and persecution. We are deploying more peacekeepers than ever, more than 115,000, he said. The message expressed that People look to the United Nations to defeat poverty and hunger, to keep the peace, to expand education and stand up for human rights in every corner of the globe. They look to us to stop the spread of deadly weapons and disease, and to protect people and families hit by disasters. In December, they will look to us to seal a comprehensive, equitable and ambitious deal on climate change that will protect us all and pave the way toward a greener, more sustainable economy. In conclusion Mr Ban said that “On this UN Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts on behalf of the vulnerable, the powerless, the defenceless. Let us stand more united than ever – united in purpose and united in action to make the world a safer, better place.” At the traditional concert held on the eve of the UN Day at New York, Mr Ban Ki Moon thanked the Culture Project and all others who have given so freely of their talents to make the evening possible. This year’s theme was, A Tribute to UN Peacekeeping.