United Nations

NEW YORK, 17 October (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the message of the President of the General Assembly, Harri Holkeri (Finland), on the occasion of United Nations Day, which is observed on 24 October:

The United Nations is our only truly global and representative world body. It is the only place where all countries, large or small, can meet as equals to try to work together to solve the enormous problems our world faces.  And work together we must, because only together can we eradicate poverty, fight AIDS, promote human rights, protect our environment, prevent conflicts or tackle all the other challenges that lie ahead.  

Too many United Nations personnel, both civilian and military, have given their lives to make ours better.  We must make sure that their safety and security are improved.  On this day we pay tribute to them.  And to all those who are working for a better world. 

At the Millennium Summit world leaders made history here at the United Nations.  They committed themselves to real goals that, if met, will ensure that our children inherit a world that is a better place to live.  But those goals cannot be met just with promises  We need action. 

I pledge to do my utmost to make sure governments follow up on those promises.  I hope that you too will use this United Nations Day to recommit yourself to work for the goals of peace, justice and equality that this Organization stands for.  Let us not forget that the United Nations represents the aspirations of all peoples.