Every year since 2008, as United Nations Day approaches, a curious phenomenon has taken place. United Nations officials have been spotted going over their notes, practising their speaking voices and reading the New York City subway map, all in preparation for a very special mission — a speaking engagement at a New York City high school!

Member States, representatives of non-governmental organizations and United Nations officials will explore practical measures to alleviate the disproportionate burden of unemployment on young people as well as inadequate opportunities for decent work when they meet at New York Headquarters to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 18 October, under the theme “From Poverty to Decent Work: Bridging the Gap.”

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for United Nations Day, to be observed on 24 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to mark World Food Day, to be observed on 16 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Rural Women, to be observed on 15 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, to be observed on 17 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to mark the International Day for Disaster Reduction, observed Wednesday, 13 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Mental Health Day, to be observed on 10 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Statistics Day, to be observed on 20 October:

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Non-Violence, to be delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Vijay Nambiar, tomorrow, 1 October, ahead of the observance on 2 October: