SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS UNITED NATIONS REMAINS PLACE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS BEYOND REACH OF ANY SINGLE STATE

15 October 1996

Press Release
SG/SM/6079
UND/818

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS UNITED NATIONS REMAINS PLACE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS BEYOND REACH OF ANY SINGLE STATE

19961015 UN Day Message Calls for Continued Reform and Renewal Of World Body to Strengthen and Improve International Cooperation

This is the text of a message from Secretary-General Boutros Boutros- Ghali for the observance of United Nations Day, 24 October:

The United Nations represents the keystone of the long historic effort for structures of international cooperation in the service of humanity. In the United Nations, for the first time in history, the world found a mechanism for shared endeavour on a truly global scale. In the United Nations, States found an impartial mediator -- and in United Nations peace-keeping, an essential tool. Entire societies found support for political, economic and social development. All peoples found a supporter of human rights and an advocate of international law.

We must continue to build on our successes. We must not be deterred by setbacks. Let us look forward. Let us continue the work of reform and rationalization to strengthen and improve international cooperation.

The process of reform and renewal already under way at the United Nations has produced a vision of the future to guide our efforts in the period ahead. It is, in essence, a simple vision -- a vision of a United Nations that works.

The will of Member States can be mobilized to fulfil this vision of the United Nations. The entire family of nations can demonstrate courage worthy of the vision before us.

A United Nations that works will help all peoples -- men, women and children -- take advantage of emerging opportunities -- opportunities the United Nations has helped to bring about -- for peace, development and democratization. A United Nations that works has the capacity to attend to the increasing array of problems beyond the reach or interest of any single State or group of States.

- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/6079 UND/818 15 October 1996

The United Nations provides a unique instrument to translate global consensus into concrete commitments and joint action. Here, statehood is reinforced in an emerging international system. Here, the weak have a voice that is strong and clear. Here, lies the heart of our common endeavour for a better world.

We all have a stake in the world Organization whose sole purpose is common progress. Beyond all the obstacles lie bright prospects for our future -- the future of all peoples, and all nations.

In this spirit, let us proudly celebrate United Nations Day 1996.

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