UNITED NATIONS — The 193 members of the United Nations reached agreement on a declaration to commemorate this year’s 75th anniversary of the world organization, recalling the UN’s successes and failures and vowing to build a post-pandemic world that is more equal, works together, and protects the planet.
General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande announced the agreement in a letter to UN members. He said the declaration will be adopted by world leaders at the official anniversary commemoration on Sept. 21, which will be virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born out of the horrors of World War II with a mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, the United Nations is praised in the declaration as the only global organization that “gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want.” It also says no other world body has the legitimacy or the power to convene leaders and people from all walks of life.
Touting the UN’s accomplishments, its member nations said “even in times of great global challenges and tension, our organization has catalyzed decolonization, promoted freedom, shaped norms for international development, and worked to eradicate disease.”
As for disappointments, nations said, the world “is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change, and pandemics.”
Associated Press