UNITED NATIONS MUST BE 'CATALYST' FOR HUMANITY'S PROGRESS, ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TELLS COMMEMORATIVE MEETING
Press Release
GA/8971
UNITED NATIONS MUST BE 'CATALYST' FOR HUMANITY'S PROGRESS, ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TELLS COMMEMORATIVE MEETING
19951024 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Following is the closing statement by the President of the General Assembly, Diogo Freitas do Amaral (Portugal), at the special commemorative meeting of the Assembly on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations at Headquarters on 24 October:We have come to the end of this special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations. I must express my great satisfaction with the fact that it was such a great success, showing the world that a meeting of this magnitude and importance could be organized so well by the United Nations. For this success, I would like to thank the speakers, for trying to keep to the necessary time limit, and, through the Secretary-General, all the staff and support units without whom we would have been unable to meet at all. In particular, my gratitude goes to the staff of the General Assembly. Lastly, but not least, I would like to thank the Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary whose hard work made it all possible.
What greater testimony can there be to the worth of this Organization than that given by the presence of so many world leaders here in New York. This universal forum continues to be the principal frame of reference for international relations; it continues to set important standards for social and economic conduct; it continues to be a unifying assembly of the world's nations; and, now and in the future, it must continue to be the catalyst for the further progress of humanity.
Since the birth of this Organization 50 years ago, its membership has multiplied more than threefold. Practically every State on this planet has sought and obtained membership of the United Nations and, as far as we know, none wants to leave. What further proof do we need of its worth?
In the many statements made, the ideals of the United Nations were constantly referred to: peace and development; human rights; and international cooperation. I heard no one defend the practices of war, nor
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advocate the denial of assistance to less fortunate peoples. I heard no one extol the virtues of dictatorship nor champion isolationism. Of course, it is not enough to proclaim ideals; real acts must follow. But the fact that all Members agree on what are the common values of the United Nations, signifies that part of our work is done. What remains now is to work together to agree on the means to achieve these ideals.
These have not been three days of mere words. We have seen those who were leaders in war come here as leaders in peace. We have seen nations who suffered under dictatorships come here as democracies. We have seen isolated countries emerge here as members of important regional organizations committed to multilateralism.
All Member States have recognized the need for bold reform. Let the political commitment that has been demonstrated here over the last three days continue in your work at the United Nations. Our work on the strengthening of the United Nations has begun. The many proposals made during this commemorative meeting are part of this process of reform. Let us keep working towards a better United Nations. Let us face the urgent financial crisis before us and let us lay down the foundations of a strong, efficient and visionary Organization for the future.
Last night, we heard Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and its "Ode to Joy". There, joy is said to be based on freedom and brotherhood. Let us continue to work for peace and development together, in the hope that one day we will find joy, in freedom and brotherhood.
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