FORUM: “Charting New Directions: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Development.” World Development Information Day 2025. The Commitment to Development Index ranks 40 of the world’s most powerful countries on their dedication to policies that affect more than five billion people living in poorer nations. The CDI scores countries relative to their size and economic weight to measure countries according to their potential to help. CDI Countries range from middle to high-income; to level the playing field, we have an option to income-adjust, or rank relative to income-predicted scores. Sweden takes first place. France is second and Norway is in third place. Sweden and France also top the environment component, each applying a relatively high price to carbon and Sweden has relatively low emissions per head. The US ranks 22nd, with strong contributions on security and trade, but low scores on diffusing technology and safeguarding the environment. It scores ahead of China, which ranks 36th, but behind most EU countries, who take 6 of the top 10 spots. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #DevinfoDay, #Development, #macroeconomics, #DevelopmentIndex; #24October.
On the 80th anniversary of the signing of the charter of the United Nations, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) convenes a Global Policy Dialogue, "Charting New Directions: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Development."
Here, members of the UN High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs (HLAB) will explore different avenues for achieving and maintaining inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking development towards and beyond 2030. In three thematic panels, leading experts will share insights on reimagining economics to foster social inclusion, identify emerging trends that will shape the decades ahead, and envision the future of sustainable development in light of global transformations. The event seeks to showcase how global cooperation can accelerate progress, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no one is left behind. This dialogue is made possible by the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.
FORUM: “Strengthen international cooperation to solve trade and development problems.” World Development Information Day 2024. The Commitment to Development Index ranks 40 of the world’s most powerful countries on their dedication to policies that affect more than five billion people living in poorer nations. The CDI scores countries relative to their size and economic weight to measure countries according to their potential to help. CDI Countries range from middle to high-income; to level the playing field, we have an option to income-adjust, or rank relative to income-predicted scores. Sweden takes first place. France is second and Norway is in third place. Sweden and France also top the environment component, each applying a relatively high price to carbon and Sweden has relatively low emissions per head. The US ranks 22nd, with strong contributions on security and trade, but low scores on diffusing technology and safeguarding the environment. It scores ahead of China, which ranks 36th, but behind most EU countries, who take 6 of the top 10 spots. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #DevinfoDay, #Development, #macroeconomics, #DevelopmentIndex; #24October.
On October 29th; You are invited to join the 2024 UN SDG Action Campaign to celebrate changemakers who are wielding the power of creativity and innovation to bring us closer to a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world. The UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony will unveil the winners of the 2024 edition with the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Antonio Tajani (TBC), and UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy Susan Brown, as well as Canon Ambassador Muhammed Muheisen, Italian song writer and singer Noemi, Paralympian and Disability Advocate Jessica Smith OAM, award-winning film director and producer Farhoud Meybodi, among many others. The UN SDG Action Awards programme is made by the generous financial support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Watch the UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony live!
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit. Collectively, your countries represent nearly half of the world’s population. And I salute your valuable commitment and support for international problem-solving as clearly reflected in your theme this year. But no single group and no single country can act alone or in isolation. It takes a community of nations, working as one global family, to address global challenges. Challenges like the rising number of conflicts. The devastation of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss… Rising inequalities and lingering poverty and hunger… A debt crisis that threatens to smother plans for the future of many vulnerable countries... The fact that fewer than one-fifth of the Sustainable Development Goals are on-track... A growing digital divide, and a lack of guardrails for artificial intelligence and other frontier technologies... And a lack of representation and voice for developing countries at global decision-making tables. From the Security Council to the Bretton-Woods institution and beyond. This must change. September’s Summit of the Future offered a roadmap for strengthening multilateralism, and advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights.
I see four areas for action.
First — finance.
Today’s international financial system is not offering many vulnerable countries the safety net or level of support they need. The Pact for the Future calls for accelerating reform of the international financial architecture that is outdated, ineffective and unfair. And it includes a commitment to move forward with an SDG Stimulus to change the business model to substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to developing countries. To recycle more Special Drawing Rights… To restructure loans for countries drowning in debt... And to mobilize more international and domestic resources, public and private, for vital investments in developing countries. Next year’s Conference on Financing for Development and the Summit on Social Development are two milestones to carry these efforts forward. We must also recognize the importance of South-South cooperation. It doesn’t replace the commitments and obligations of developed countries. But it is providing a growing contribution to supporting developing countries in overcoming obstacles to reaching the SDGs.
Second — climate.
Every country has committed to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. That requires dramatic action to reduce emissions now — with the G20 in the lead. COP29 is just weeks away. That starts the clock for countries to produce new Nationally Determined Contributions plans with 2035 targets that are aligned with the 1.5 degree goal. COP29 must deliver an ambitious and credible outcome on the new climate finance goal. Developed countries must also keep promises to double adaptation finance, and ensure meaningful contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, which was not the case when it was created.
Third — technology.
Every country must be able to access the benefits of technology. The Global Digital Compact commits to enhanced global cooperation and capacity-building. It includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It calls for an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations with the participations of all countries And it requests options for innovative financing for AI capacity-building in developing countries.
And fourth — peace.
We must strengthen and update the machinery of peace. This includes reforms to make the United Nations Security Council reflective of today’s world. The Pact for the Future includes important steps on disarmament — including the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade — and steps that address the weaponization of outer space and the use of lethal autonomous weapons. Across the board, we need peace. We need peace in Gaza with an immediate cease-fire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the effective delivery of humanitarian aid without obstacles, and we need to make irreversible progress to end the occupation and establish the two state solution, as it was recently reaffirmed once again by a UN General Assembly resolution. We need peace in Lebanon with an immediate cessation of hostilities, moving to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. We need peace in Ukraine. A just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions. We need peace in Sudan, with all parties silencing their guns and committing to a path towards sustainable peace. Those were the messages I have delivered to the High-Level segment of the General Assembly in September in New York. Unfortunately, they remain valid here and now. Everywhere, we must uphold the values of the UN Charter, the rule of law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, The Summit of the Future charted a course to strengthen multilateralism for global development and security. Now we must turn words into deeds and we believe BRICS can play a very important role in this direction.
The United Nations was built by the world, for the world.
Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.
Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace.
Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable.
Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters.
Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls.
Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space.
In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations.
Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms, and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.
But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person.
In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough.
Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.
Hope requires all countries working as one.
Hope requires the United Nations.
On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.
Today marks a cherished and precious anniversary in the course of nations to end conflicts, spare the generations the scourge of war, and work to build a more secure, stable and developed world.
United Nations Day reminds us of the importance of peace and stability for the good of humanity. We shall not forget those who served in this Organization and those who made great sacrifices to support peace and establish security and prosperity.
The United Nations works to serve people in defusing conflicts and in time of peace, in order to promote sustainable peace, justice and development. In Iraq, this is what we are doing as well: we serve all sectors of society, through sustainable development, support and humanitarian action, as well as through efforts to promote human rights, just as we stood with the Iraqi people in past times of conflict.
As a founding member of the United Nations, Iraq plays its role in upholding the values, principles and rights encapsulated in the UN Charter which all 193 member states have committed to.
In his UN Day message, Secretary-General António Guterres sums up who we are and what we do. He says: “The United Nations was built by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.”
We all belong to these United Nations. We are proud of this day, and we shall not forget the memory of all those who worked to uphold the name and values of the United Nations, and to defend the security and fundamental rights of all humanity.
These include: (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Rooted in the 17 Goals, these transitions are not a new agenda.
I. The Indivisible Goals Demand Integrated Policy
The 2030 Agenda is the result of the most inclusive and expansive
deliberation in human history. Bold, sweeping and ambitious, the
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all
world leaders as essential facets of the sustainable future we want;
of a world transformed for the benefit of all humanity.
These goals are deeply intertwined – any action taken to achieve
one may advance some others. This means an integrated policy
approach is needed to achieve the SDGs – one that navigates the
synergies and trade-offs in taking a certain line of action. This is
akin to solving a Rubik’s cube, where a solution is impossible with
a focus only on one side at a time: all sides must be considered in
relation to each other if the puzzle is to be solved.
Yet, dominant development practice – and in large part, our
institutions, markets, investment incentives and policy processes
– favour siloed approaches. As a result, disparate and competing
strategies and processes proliferate, with planning, policy and
regulatory frameworks unevenly aligned with the Goals. Investment
schemes with limited focus on long-term sustainable patterns,
suboptimal budgets, low public capacities for integration, and
insufficient leveraging of technologies prevail, while increases in
risk factors and intersecting poly-crises impose limitations on the
ability to question “business-as-usual” solutions, entrenching the
status quo.
This disconnect between our 21st century ambitions and our
20th century legacy structures and processes means that SDG
achievement is currently a distant aspiration. Midpoint to 2030,
only about 15 per cent of targets are on track; close to half, though
showing progress, are moderately or severely off track; and some
30 per cent have either seen no movement or regressed below the
2015 baseline. At current rates, only 30 per cent of all countries will
achieve even SDG 1 on poverty by 2030. Hunger has increased and
is back at 2005 levels. Gender equality is some 300 years away.
Too much is at stake and transformation is a matter of utmost
urgency. The most pressing priority for policymakers is to ensure
the integrated approach goes viral so that economic models and
policy processes are revamped commensurate with ambitions, and
investments are galvanized at scale for SDG acceleration.
II. Transitions for Systemic Impact
Scholarship on the SDGs has converged on transformative entry
points - or key transitions - that can have catalytic and multiplier
effects across the SDGs and an outsized determinant impact for
achieving the Goals. These include: (1) food systems; (2) energy
access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5)
jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss
and pollution.
Rooted in the 17 Goals, these transitions are not a new agenda.
Rather, the transitions represent a useful organizing frame that can
spotlight investment pathways to accelerate SDG progress within
and across countries, with the prevailing country context
determining the priority level and action accorded to each area. This will help ensure a better convergence among the
most impactful entry points to spearhead SDG acceleration,
spurring donor engagement, and improving the alignment of
significant work and investments already undertaken across
these areas by countries, companies, civil society, cities and local
actors, with the support of development finance.
Each of these key transitions requires a consideration of
multiple policy levers spanning economic, social and
environmental dimensions, i.e., actions that recognise the
integrated nature of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. This helps
ensure that collectively, efforts are multiplicative and that all
policy actors amplify each other’s work. Moreover, since the
SDGs are interconnected, so too are these six transitions. For
instance, as significant contributors to greenhouse emissions,
both energy and food systems are inextricably linked with
climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. As such,
achieving these transitions also calls for a transformation of
the dominant traditional, siloed economic models, markets,
incentives, and policies within and across countries.
Critically, the metrics of success for these transitions are
primarily in how they deliver for all persons in our
societies. These must be just and equitable transitions,
with human rights, gender equality and the principle of
Leaving No One Behind comprising their fundamental design
elements. For instance, food systems transition can only
take place if it fully and measurably redresses the
food insecurity that is disproportionately experienced
by women and people living in rural areas. Universal healthcoverage must be a hallmark of the transition on jobs and
social protection. Only when energy is routinely available to
the most disadvantaged groups can it be considered fully
accessible and affordable.
Transitions cannot be achieved without effective means
of implementation, including radical improvements in the
utilisation of science, technology, and innovation, bridging the
data gap, and strengthening SDG localization. It also implies
strengthening governance through transformed policy and
regulatory frameworks and through enhanced national public
sector capabilities to deliver and implement policy action, as
well as mobilize the required investments for market-ready
projects in pipelines. The latter calls for the final critical element
which is a transformation of financing. With an estimated gap of
some US$ 4.2 trillion per year, the SDGs require a quantum leap
in finance flows – from billions to trillions. The primary financing
source for countries remains the national budget, necessitating
a more systematic review and alignment of the budgeting
system to sustainable development financing needs through
Integrated National Financial Frameworks. But public funds
alone are not sufficient to deliver the goals. Additionally,
national budgets in developing countries are depleted after
the massive fiscal response in the last two years to offset the
negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in
Ukraine and the climate emergency. Remaining gaps will need
to be covered by better leveraging all financing flows – public
and private, national and international – including from
international financial institutions, multilateral development
banks, private sector, official development assistance,
philanthropic foundations, remittances, and others;
restructuring debt and lifting trade barriers.
III. Engine Room Actions by the UN Development
System
The reforms of the UN development system have transformed its
ability to support countries with the implementation of the SDGs.
Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators (RCs), UN
country teams (UNCTs) are now optimally positioned to act as
catalysts to propel progress on the six transitions, building on
the existing optimal entry points that stem from their respective
country-contexts.
The lens of the six transitions – and the critical mass of integrated
policy expertise behind each – will enable RCs and UNCTs deliver
better together to help countries unlock the rapid and deep
transformations needed to achieve the Goals by 2030. As neutral
and trusted arbiters, RCs can harness the expertise and networks
of the entire UN development system and convene governments
and all stakeholders in concerted partnership to accelerate
SDG progress. This means that UNCTs are now uniquely able
to connect the relevant entry points to national ambitions and
priorities, while ensuring that the UN’s collective and entity-specific
programming responses enable policy and financing partnerships
to make these a reality. Evidence-based and data-driven “CommonCountry Analyses” and “UN Sustainable Development CooperationFrameworks” already reflects this revitalisation, with a reinvigorated
ability to help countries address complex, interconnected SDG
challenges.
Within each area, UNCTs will enable and deliver four 'engine room'
actions at the country level, both building on and supporting
regional and global efforts. First, RCs and UNCTs will drive the
shifts across policy and regulatory frameworks, going beyond
the standard sectoral approaches. Second, RCs and UNCTs
will facilitate the identification and development of pipelines of
bankable and market-ready national projects with participation of
both public and private sectors, including by providing access to
world-class expertise. Third, RCs and UNCTs will convene all
relevant actors to attract the needed financing from all sources –
traditional donors, development banks, capital markets,
philanthropic foundations, and remittances, to help develop
the ‘deal room’ – a financing mix with innovative instruments –
for each of the transitions. Fourth, RCs and UNCTs will
commit to capacity-building at scale to support public
institutions and civil society in this process, ensuring a steady
increase in capacities over time to reinforce and sustain these
investments.
At the global level, the Joint SDG Fund has been transformed
to accompany these transitions, incubating and capitalizing
new windows of financing. Such catalytic support to UNCTs
will be critical for results at the country level. Additionally,
regional intergovernmental mechanisms and strengthened UN
coordination platforms are enabling multistakeholder policy
dialogues around these key areas, and collaborative and coherent
responses to country priorities and needs.
The 2023 SDG Summit – the half-way mark to 2030 – represents a
vital opportunity to put the SDGs back on track and secure the
breakthroughs and collective commitments needed to drive
SDG acceleration and help deliver the future we want. The UN
development system remains the world’s best asset to support
countries in this process and is committed to continuous
improvement to accelerate momentum.
In commemoration of United Nations Day, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga sponsors a concert featuring the Environmental Symphony: The Movement and world renowned cellist Michael Fitzpatrick in the General Assembly Hall on the theme of "The Frontlines of Climate Action." The theme of this year's Concert reinforces Secretary-General António Guterres's call for "faster, bolder climate action," and is intended to galvanize world leaders ahead of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai later in the year, and the 2024 International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda.
The United Nations 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.
I know we can do it. The Charter of the United Nations – which entered into force 78 years ago today – points the way.
Above all, it is rooted in a spirit of determination to heal divisions, repair relations, and build peace.
To expand opportunities, and leave no one behind.
To ensure justice, equality and empowerment for women and girls.
To provide life-saving relief to those in need.
And to be flexible enough to address challenges that did not even exist when the UN was born – from the existential climate crisis to the perils and promise of artificial intelligence.
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.
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 united nations.
On October 24th, Join us to mark the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force. The UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify our common agendaand reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 77 years.
The hope — and resolve — following the Second World War to move beyond global conflict to global cooperation.
Today, our organization is being tested like never before.
But the United Nations was made for moments like this.
Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world. By giving peace a chance and ending conflicts that jeopardize lives, futures and global progress.
By working to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, and rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.
By safeguarding our planet, including by breaking our addiction to fossil fuels and kickstarting the renewable energy revolution.
And by finally balancing the scales of opportunity and freedom for women and girls and ensure human rights for all.
As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity.
António Guterres.
EVENTS: Usually held in the General Assembly Hall of the Organization, at Headquarters in New York, a concert is held to mark United Nations Day 2022.
CONCERT: Celebration of the 77th Anniversary of the United Nations - UN Chamber Music Society Concert.
On Monday, 24 October 2022, the UN Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) will present a virtual concert in celebration of the United Nations’ 77th Anniversary. A symbol of hope for global unity, UN Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our common agenda, and the principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 77 years. The concert will feature a global music programme, including a performance by classical pianist Jerome Lowenthal, to symbolize a call to strengthen international cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all. During the concert, remarks will be delivered by special guest Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
Saturday, 12 December 2020 @12:00pm EST (New York)
Listen to the entire album on Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube, TikTok, Pandora, and all the major music distribution platforms worldwide.
WATCH THE ALBUM LAUNCH: UNITED NATIONS
On 12 December 2020, the UN Chamber Music Society (UNCMS) – in partnership with VIRTUA CREATIVE – will launch “75 YEARS OF LOVE,” the ensemble’s debut world music album, in support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and in celebration of the United Nations 75th Anniversary. The programme will be musically representative at the regional level, as repertoire from all five official regional groups of the United Nations will be featured. The songs chosen will be linked to the message of the UN’s 75th anniversary. The album will feature World Classical Music and World Pop Music – and will be launched on the various UN platforms.
All donations and album profits received will be directed to support the humanitarian work of the UNHCR, which has provided for seventy-years life-saving assistance and protection to refugees globally. Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ goals and values at large - through the universal language of music.
OPENING MESSAGES
H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir President of the 75th session of the General Assembly
Filippo Grandi United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Fabrizio Hochschild, Special Adviser on Preparations for Seventy-Fifth United Nations Anniversary
Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications
ALBUM PROGRAMME
UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
(I) Latin American and Caribbean Group
BOB MARLEY(1945 - 1981)One Love (arr. Edward Bilous for the UN Chamber Music Society) Julian Marley (Singer), Sara Marley (Singer), Addis Pablo (Melodica), Vivaldo Brown (Nyabinghi Drums), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Daniel Chmielinski (Bass),Brenda Vongova (Piano), Audrey Martell (Back-up vocalist), Janice Pendarvis (Back-up vocalist), LaJuan Carter (Back-up vocalist)
Recording for Sara Marley’s vocals: Julian MillerandMs. Lauryn Hill
Recording for Julian Marley: Aston Barrett Jr., Engineer and Floyd “John GQ” Barrett, Co-Engineer
SAMUEL ZYMAN(1956 - ) Suite de la Mancha, III. Dulcinea Eva Ding (Flute),Derek Louie(Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(II) African Group
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Baba Yetu" from Calling All Dawns (arr. for the UN Chamber Music Society) Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Drake Driscoll (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
(III) Asia-Pacific Group
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan" [Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)] (arr. Edward Bilous) Mai Fujisawa (Singer), Little Carol Choir, Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) "Dao Zai Fan Ye " from Calling All Dawns (arr. Gabriel Majou for the UN Chamber Music Society) Eva Ding (Flute), Audrey Emata (Flute), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Ehren L. Valmé (Trombone)
(IV) Eastern European Group
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY(1840 – 1893) The Seasons, Op.37a, February (Carnival) June (Barcarolle) and October (Autumn Song) Jerome Lowenthal (Piano)
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840 - 1893) Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50, TH.117: 2. (A) Tema con variazioni: Andante con moto & Coda – Lugubre Sophia Stoyanovich (Violin), Noah Koh (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of
multiple crises. Poverty, disease, terrorism, discrimination and
climate change are exacting a heavy toll. Millions of people continue
to suffer deplorable exploitation through bonded labour, human
trafficking, sexual slavery or unsafe conditions in factories, fields
and mines. The global economy remains an uneven playing field.
The founding of the United Nations was a solemn pledge to the
world’s people to end such assaults on human dignity, and lead the way
to a better future. There have been painful setbacks, and there is much
work ahead to realize the Charter’s vision. But we can take heart from
our achievements.
The UN Millennium Development Goals have inspired the most
successful anti-poverty campaign ever. United Nations treaties
addressing inequality, torture and racism have protected people, while
other agreements have safeguarded the environment. UN peacekeepers have
separated hostile forces, our mediators have settled disputes and our
humanitarian workers have delivered life-saving aid.
At this critical moment, let us reaffirm our commitment to
empowering the marginalized and vulnerable. On United Nations Day, I
call on Governments and individuals to work in common cause for the
common good.
Date: 24 October 2014 / Location: United Nations General Assembly Hall
In observance of United Nations Day, a special concert entitled “UN Day Concert 2014: Lang Lang & Friends” will take place on Friday, 24 October 2014, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the newly renovated General Assembly Hall.
Performing with Lang Lang will be an international youth
orchestra representing five continents, assembled especially for the
occasion, to be conducted by Manuel López-Gómez. Manuel López-Gómez, as well as many of the youth musicians hail from the renowned El Sistema programme, which provides music education to children from poor social-economic backgrounds.
As such, the concert offers an opportunity to highlight the
United Nations’ focus on youth and the education of global citizens. It
also marks an important milestone during the yearlong global
observance of the 70th anniversary of the Organization.
The proclamation of 24 October as United Nations Day is an
acknowledgment of the global efforts and achievements of the
Organization since its creation in 1945. The observance serves as an
occasion to highlight, celebrate and reflect on the work of the United
Nations and its family of agencies through the universal language of
music.
UN Day Concert 2014: “Lang Lang & Friends” will stream live at 7:00 p.m. EDT via webcast at www.un.org/webcast.
The General Assembly in 1972 instituted World Development Information Day to draw the attention of world public opinion to
development problems and the need to strengthen international
cooperation to solve them (resolution 3038 (XXVII)). The Assembly
decided that the date for the Day should coincide in principle with
United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the
adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the
Second United Nations Development Decade.
The Assembly felt that improving the dissemination of information
and the mobilization of public opinion, particularly among young
people, would lead to greater awareness of the problems of development,
thus, promoting efforts in the sphere of international cooperation for
development.
