Members reach deal on anniversary declaration
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 U.N.’s successes and failures and vowing to build a postpandemic world that is more equal, works together, and protects the planet.
General Assembly President Tijjani MuhammadBande announced the agreement this week in a letter to U.N. members. He said the declaration will be adopted by world leaders at the official anniversary commemoration on Sept. 21.
Born out of the horrors of World War II with a mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, the U.N. 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, and the impact of the United Nations.
Touting the U.N.’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.
“The United Nations has helped mitigate dozens of conflicts, saved hundreds of thousands of lives through humanitarian action and provided millions of children with the education that every child deserves,” they said.
As for disappointments, U.N. member nations said, the world “is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change, and pandemics.”
The poorest and least developed countries are falling behind, decolonization is not complete, and people “are forced to make dangerous journeys in search of refuge and safety.”