As countries around the world observe United Nations Day, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, has urged all UN member states to reaffirm their commitment to repairing broken trust, healing the planet and upholding dignity for all.
The UNSG in a message to the world on Wednesday said though extreme poverty is being reduced around the world, but “we see inequality growing.”
The message from Guterres was conveyed by Assistant Secretary General and UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Yacoub El Hillo, at a ceremony marking the observance of the United Nations Day in Monrovia.
Guterres observed that human rights are being violated everywhere, but said the UN cannot give up knowing that the respect for human rights and human dignity is a basic condition for peace.
“Conflicts are multiplying, people are suffering, but we cannot give up because we know every man, woman and child deserve a life of peace,” he noted.
He added: “We don’t give up because we know by reducing inequality we increase hope, opportunity and peace around the world.”
Climate change is moving faster than we are, Guterres noted, emphasizing that the UN also cannot give up because the world body knows that climate action is the only path.
October 24 every year is celebrated worldwide as United Nations Day.
The day was set aside by the UN General Assembly in 1971 to be observed by all member states as a public holiday.
This year, the day was celebrated in Liberia under the local theme: “From Peace Keeping to Sustainable Development in Liberia.”
