THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
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MESSAGE FOR UNITED NATIONS DAY
24 October 2026
On United Nations Day, we celebrate not only an Organization, but an idea:
Humanity’s future depends on our ability to work together to advance peace, development and human rights.
For 81 years, the United Nations has given life to that idea.
Settling disputes — with diplomacy and laws, not weapons.
Working to eradicate poverty and hunger.
Promoting human rights.
And delivering life-saving aid to people facing war, disaster and displacement.
From transportation, trade and technology…
To safeguarding the health of people and planet…
To championing gender equality and expanding opportunity for women and girls…
To giving all countries an equal voice on the global stage…
The United Nations is an essential part of the fabric of our world.
And it’s needed more than ever.
Our world is shaken by conflict.
Battered by the climate crisis.
Scarred by rising inequalities.
And transformed by technologies speeding faster than our ability to govern them.
Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave birth to the United Nations:
Dialogue over division.
Cooperation over confrontation.
Solidarity over fear.
On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them.
Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law.
And let’s work to strengthen the United Nations to best serve people and meet the challenges of our time.
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