The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an opportunity to reflect – to look back on the UN’s history and take stock of its enduring achievements. It is also an opportunity to spotlight where the UN – and the international community as a whole – needs to redouble its efforts to meet current and future challenges across the three pillars of its work: peace and security, development, and human rights.

The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is a timely opportunity to highlight its many and enduring achievements -- and to strengthen our collective resolve to do more to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

Every day, the United Nations makes a positive difference for millions of people: vaccinating children; distributing food aid; sheltering refugees; deploying peacekeepers; protecting the environment; seeking the peaceful resolution of disputes and supporting democratic elections, gender equality, human rights and the rule of law.

The challenges of our times transcend borders and require complex solutions reached through negotiation and compromise.  The theme of this anniversary year -- “Strong UN. Better World” -- captures the importance of multilateralism and the essential role of the United Nations.

Only when we work together can we overcome shared threats and seize shared opportunities; only at the United Nations can all countries – large and small, rich and poor – and all people have their voices heard.  In our rapidly changing world, the United Nations remains humankind’s invaluable instrument of common progress.  Let us use this anniversary to reflect on the lessons of seven decades, and reaffirm our commitment to serve “we the peoples” and build lives of prosperity, security and dignity for all.

See the full Secretary-General's message regarding the 70th anniversary of the United Nations here.
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