Addis Ababa, 23 October 2020, (ECA) - The United Nations family in Ethiopia was joined on Friday by members of the diplomatic community, government officials, private sector, and the youth, to commemorate UN Day 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of the organization.
This year’s event was void of its usual pomp and fanfare due to COVID19 but was marked by a flag-raising ceremony and a powerful message from the Secretary-General who emphasized the need for unity and collective action as the world faces “one common enemy: COVID19.”
The Secretary General’s messages was delivered by Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
“The 75th anniversary of the United Nations falls in the middle of a global pandemic. Our founding mission is more critical than ever,” said Ms. Songwe, noting that “a remarkable global collaboration is underway for a safe, affordable and accessible COVID-19 vaccine for all.”
The message urged stakeholders to promote human dignity, protect human rights, respect international law, and save humanity from war. It was also a call to “mobilize the whole world to reach carbon neutrality - net zero emissions of greenhouse gasses by 2050.”
“On this anniversary, I ask people everywhere to join together. The United Nations belongs to you and is you: “we the peoples.”
Speaking on behalf of Ethiopia’s minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma,
Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the ECA and the African Union commended the “great collaboration” between the United Nations system and his country.
“The world is a much better place with UN interventions and Ethiopia is privileged to host
the ECA - an indispensable partner in Ethiopia’s social/cultural and economic history,” said Mr. Yilma
In another message delivered on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ann Allen Encontre - UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia - highlighted the importance of strengthening collaborations to address urgent global issues.
“As we move forward, the timeless values of the UN Charter must remain our guide and unite our strength to serve we the peoples,” she said.
The event was also marked by a series of video messages from the private sector, civil society, and the youth - all commending the work and accomplishments of the United Nations over the years.
UN Day has been celebrated since 1948, following its official creation in 1945. This year 2020 therefore marks its 75th anniversary.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org