By Our Reporter
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres says the “world faces many grave challenges” such as “widening conflicts and inequality” but “all that we need is the will” to overcome them.
In a message issued on Monday to mark United Nations Day on October 24, 2017, Guterres also cites extreme weather, deadly intolerance, security threats including nuclear weapons as other challenges the world is facing today.
“We have the tools and wealth to overcome these challenges. All we need is the will. The world’s problems transcend borders. We have to transcend our differences to transform our future,” the UN boss pointed out.
Guterres calls for human rights and human dignity to be respected as the world marks the 72nd anniversary of the UN.
“When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable and just world. On United Nations Day, let us, ‘We the Peoples’, make this vision a reality,” the UN Secretary General added.
The UN was established in 1945 after the end of World War II essentially to promote international peace and security. And it was the forerunner of the League of Nations.
Liberia, which is the oldest indepent African countries, was one of the original signatories of the UN charter.
President Ellen johnson Sirleaf on Monday issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday October 24 as a working holiday in commemoration of UN Day.
“Liberia, as a founding member and signatory to the charter of the august body, meaningfully benefits therefrom and continues to support all programs of the world body as an expression of its constant appreciation, particularly with emphasis on the operation of the United Nations Mission in Liberia,” aLiberian Foreign Ministry press release says.
“The Proclamation also praised the United Nations Organization and its Member States for their roles played and critical role they continue to play in the rebuilding of Liberia following its civil crisis for which the country remains most grateful.”