Message by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on the occasion of United Nations Day, Saturday, 24 October 2020
I am really pleased to have this opportunity to deliver this message of commemoration on United Nations Day, in celebration of this important anniversary.
Today, we join the international community in celebrating a significant anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, seventy-five years ago.
On this Day, it is vital for all of us to reflect on all the efforts and achievements of this Organisation in improving the lives of the people of the world in a range of sectors.
As early as 1946, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, that the issue of Apartheid South Africa’s discriminatory policies was placed firmly on the agenda of the first session of the UN General Assembly.
The contribution that the United Nations has made to the people of South Africa in their struggle to dismantle Apartheid, which led to a free and democratic South Africa in 1994, will always be hailed and appreciated.
The 75th anniversary of the United Nations comes at a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with severe economic and social impacts.
The UN system remains the best means by which we can address and overcome these many global challenges. I am certain that it will play a role in supporting the post COVID-19 recovery of the world.
It is only through multilateralism and recommitting ourselves to the ideals of the UN Charter, that we can forge common strategies for the benefit and advancement of all.
The UN, with its 193 Member States, should lead the way in creating a transformative and inclusive future, ensuring that no one is left behind.
South Africa and its people wish the United Nations well as it continues to serve as the world’s moral compass and foremost guarantor of global peace and prosperity.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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