The ceremony, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, featured the screening of a documentary video highlighting the UN’s achievements since its founding, particularly in the humanitarian, political, and human rights fields.
The event also included musical and poetic performances paying tribute to key milestones in the history of the multilateral organization over the past eight decades.
On this occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a renewal of the foundations of international cooperation, amid a global context increasingly marked by geopolitical divisions and a rise in conflicts.
He noted that the celebration of the UN’s 80th anniversary comes at a time when the organization’s founding principles “are under assault as never before,” a situation further complicated by the persistence of poverty and delays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Let us rise to this moment with clarity, courage, and conviction,” the UN chief stressed, urging the international community not only defend the United Nations, but to strengthen it.
Echoing these sentiments, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock views the anniversary as an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the UN and its specialized agencies, and to explore actions capable of meeting the major challenges facing humanity.
She added that this is a moment to prove that the United Nations can act more effectively and more responsibly toward the world’s populations.”
The commemoration of the UN’s 80th anniversary comes on the eve of the General Assembly’s High-Level Week, which begins Tuesday and will be attended by Heads of State and Government, as well as other senior officials.
Themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” this session will focus on a wide range of current issues, including peace, sustainable development, and the climate crisis.
It will also feature two summits—on climate and on building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy—initiated by the UN Secretary-General, along with meetings on the Two-State Solution in the Middle East, SDGs, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, promotion of mental health and well-being, and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Editorial team/le7tv