Addis Ababa, Ethiopia underscored the importance of a renewed and inclusive multilateralism that effectively addresses shared global challenges.

United Nations Day was celebrated in Addis Ababa today under the theme “The Frontlines of Climate Action.”

United Nations Day, on October 24, marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

UN Day also offers the opportunity to amplify the global common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the globe for the past few years.

Speaking on the occasion, organized to mark the day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arega, said that on October 24, 1945, some 51 countries, including Ethiopia, signed the Charter of the United Nations. Commemorating such an important milestone reminds us that the principles of the UN Charter remain relevant in our collective endeavor to create a fair and better one for all of this generation.

Ethiopia, as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, has been a proud and profound voice of multilateral diplomacy in the UN system, noting that Ethiopia will always be committed to the principles of the UN Charter.

Moreover, he emphasized that the existing multilateral system is grappling with the greatest systemic crisis since 1945.

“For the United Nations to be a reflection of the current world, the question of reform is not a matter of rhetoric. The various decision-making processes should amplify the voices and respect the legitimate interests of Africa and other developing countries,” he underlined.

Ethiopia, as a founding member of the UN, reiterates its call for meaningful and urgent reform of the current global architecture.

The current system is unable to address the crisis and fragmentation that the world confronts; hence, he said, “we call for a new, inclusive, and balanced multiple multilateral system that is effective and efficient to promote genuine global cooperation and solutions.”

At a time of global rivalry, Ethiopia underscores the importance of a renewed and inclusive multilateralism that effectively addresses shared global challenges, he stressed.

He underlined that the political, economic, financial, and security architecture of the United Nations system should be reformed to respond to the fundamental challenge and problem that humanity faces.

Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Antonio Pedro, for his part, said the UN is a reflection of the world as it is and “an aspiration of the world we know it can be.”

“It is our responsibility to help build that world of peace, sustainable development, and human rights for all,” he added.

The United Nations is guided by timeless values and principles, but it must never be frozen in time. That is why we must always keep strengthening ways of working and applying a 21st century lens to all we do, Pedro stated.

“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations. Let us commit to a future that lives up to the name of our indispensable organization. We are a divided world. We can and must be part of the United Nations.”

African Union Deputy Commissioner, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, said this day provides an opportunity to highlight the UN’s success, reflect on challenges, and raise awareness of its aims and aspirations.

“It’s no secret that in recent times, our continent and the world as a whole have been plagued with challenges of different natures,” she stated.

Nothing more than ever, cooperation and solidarity are needed to continue to be a better one, she said, adding “it is our responsibility to ensure the freedom of women and girls and to bring equality and the power to develop humanity and to end war and conflicts between nations.”

Moreover, the deputy commissioner added that the African Union and the United Nations partnership is one rooted in the principles of complementarity and respect.

This annual event commemorates the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, marking the official establishment of the United Nations.

Since 1948, Member States have celebrated this day, and in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended it be observed as a public holiday

Source: Ethiopian News Agency