Today, UNA-UK joins millions of people around the world in commemorating United Nations Day. Celebrated each year on 24 October, the day marks the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
Events in 2012 have demonstrated the enduring relevance of the UN, with the world body facilitating transition in Yemen, launching new initiatives on energy and oceans, and making steady progress towards the eradication of polio and guinea worm. But it continues to face grave challenges, from Syria to food security to climate change.
UN Day is an opportunity to celebrate the UN's achievements and reflect on how it could be strengthened to tackle the challenges it faces. Too often, the media concentrates on the political failures of the Security Council, ignoring the life-saving work the UN is engaged in every day and the difference it has made in all our lives.
UNA-UK believes that despite its flaws, the UN remains an essential tool for building a better world. Of course it should be more effective, but in order to achieve this, we need to convince our governments that we care enough about the UN for them to prioritise strengthening it.
For UN Day 2012, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on governments and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
At UNA-UK, we are asking our members and supporters to do three things this month to show their support: sign our petition, display a poster, and recruit supporters to UNA-UK.
"We are living through a period of profound turmoil, transition and transformation. Insecurity, inequality and intolerance are spreading. Global and national institutions are being put to the test. With so much at stake, the United Nations must keep pace across the spectrum of its activities — peace, development, human rights, the rule of law, the empowerment of the world's women and youth." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
