STATEMENT BY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES, H.E. Mr. GEORGES REBELO PINTO CHIKOTI, ON THE OCCASION OF UNITED NATIONS (UN) DAY

Brussels, 24 October 2020/OACPS: In the context of the annual celebration of United Nations (UN) Day on 24 October, the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, on behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), recalls that this day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. In this regard, he conveys his congratulations to the United Nations family, as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of the UN and its founding Charter.

The Secretary-General recognises that more than seven decades after its establishment, the UN is still the leading organisation for all of humanity and the champion of multilateralism. As an organisation, it has transformed lives and livelihoods as a result of a number of successful humanitarian, environmental, and peace-keeping initiatives. Further, through the unwavering efforts of the UN, inclusive and sustainable development has taken place, as demonstrated by the number of countries that have changed their status within half a century, moving from developing to middle-income countries.

Over the years, the challenges facing mankind have grown in number and complexity. At the same time, the international community has become multipolar, inter-connected and globalised. In this context, the Secretary-General strongly reiterates the urgent need to strengthen the UN as a pillar of multilateralism. He further urges the UN Secretary-General to continue to pursue the Organization’s reform agenda to make it more representative and democratic.

The Secretary-General acknowledges the unique circumstances under which the UN is commemorating this day, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a devastating socio-economic impact on many States. He commends the UN’s leadership to promote efforts geared toward unity and global solidarity to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. H.E. Chikoti congratulates the UN for its efforts to ensure a well-coordinated response to the pandemic, and the support provided for recovery efforts, particularly in the most vulnerable countries.

The OACPS is proud to count the UN as an ally as we work together to achieve the goals and aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Secretary-General reasserts that, in this year marked by major upheavals, nations must reaffirm their commitment to live up to the founding ideas of the UN, and work together to achieve peace, security and sustainable development for all of humanity.

Photo: UN Photo/Cia Pak