UN Day marked in Ethiopia with calls to build better, united world

Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Antonio Pedro speaks at an event marking the UN Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations missions in Ethiopia, the African Union (AU) and the diplomatic corps on Tuesday celebrated the United Nations (UN) Day with a call for determination to heal division, ensure justice and build a better world.

The UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN charter. This year's edition of the UN Day was commemorated under the theme "The Frontlines of Climate Action."

Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Antonio Pedro said during the commemoration event in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, that the UN is tasked to help the world build peace, sustainable development and human rights for all.

"The Charter of the United Nations points that we should expand opportunities, ensure justice and equality, leave no one behind and provide life-saving relief to those in need," Pedro said.

According to the UN, the annual UN Day celebration offers the opportunity to amplify the common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the organization for the past 78 years.

Delivering the AU Commission Chairperson's message on the UN day, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission Monique Nsanzabaganwa highlighted the need to bring about equality, freedom and justice for all.

"We must ensure the freedom of women and girls, develop humanity and to end war and conflict between nations, create opportunities for all to live a quality life and build resilience to climate change and achieve sustainable development," she said.

Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs Misganu Arega on his part said the various UN decision-making processes should amplify the voices and respect the legitimate interests of Africa and other developing countries.

"Ethiopia, as a founding member of the UN, reiterates its call for meaningful and urgent reforms of the current global architecture," Arega said.

Security guards of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) hoist a UN flag to mark the UN Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission Monique Nsanzabaganwa speaks at an event marking the UN Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

Security guards of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) participate in an event marking the UN Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)