Addis ababa: Officials gathered on United Nations Day to advocate for renewed global cooperation and a commitment to addressing international challenges, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism as outlined in the UN Charter.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the 79th UN Day was commemorated at the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, attended by UN officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and invited guests. Ramiz Alakbarov, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, spoke on behalf of UN Chief António Guterres, emphasizing the UN’s role in fostering global unity since its inception in 1945. Alakbarov outlined the organization’s mission to tackle critical issues such as poverty eradication, sustainable development, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Alakbarov highlighted recent achievements, including the adoption of the Pact for Future and the Global Digital Compact, which aim to address contemporary challenges like climate change and technological adva
ncements. He urged stakeholders to pursue decisive actions and multilateral solutions for peace and shared prosperity, stating, “In today’s troubled world hope is not enough. Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.”
Semunigus Habtegiorgis, Director-General for International Organizations at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the UN’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges and called for enhanced cooperation and ongoing reform within the UN to effectively respond to security and development issues. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the UN and achieving Sustainable Development Goals based on national priorities.
Gaokgakala Daniel, Acting Chief of Staff and Advisor on Education to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reflected on the strengthened partnership between the African Union and the UN. He stressed the need for reforms within the UN to better represent the
diverse realities of its member states, advocating for a new global social contract. Daniel stated, “For the United Nations must reflect the world’s reality today. Reform to the United Nations must occur for it to serve all the people of the world equitably now and in the future.”