The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The United Nations Day will be observed across the world, including Bangladesh, today highlighting world peace.

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body.

In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States.

Traditionally, it is observed throughout the world through programmes like meetings and discussions and holding exhibitions on the goals and achievements of the organization.

In a message on the occasion, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said

that the international community must further strengthen and democratize the UN to make it more effective in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Bangladesh joins the comity of nations to reaffirm the country's strong and unwavering commitment to the ideals, values and principles of the United Nations, he said.

The UN Charter-which came into effect on this day in 1945 - embodies the hopes and aspirations of the world's six billion people to live in peace and harmony. Towards this end, the world body has been relentlessly promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and sustainable development, the CA said in his message.

The Bangladesh leader said since its emergence, United Nations has remained steadfast in fulfilling the aspirations of the people across the world. It has supported its member states in their fight against poverty, diseases and hunger.

He pointed out that UN has always been by the side of millions of disadvantaged and distressed people, affected by man-made or natural disasters.

Its ever-increasing relevance is all the more evident in numerous peacekeeping and peace-building missions. One can hardly imagine a world without the United Nations, Dr. Fakhruddin said.

He said Bangladesh remains avowedly committed to the objectives of the United Nations. This finds reflection in the "culture of peace" resolution of the UN General Assembly, which takes into account the diversity of the States and their rights to development.

Bangladesh has been one of the key countries in promoting a culture of peace at the UN. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh has demonstrated its unswerving commitment to protect humanity from the scourge of war, said Dr Fakhruddin.

"Our troops, deployed in many countries of Africa, have earned the highest accolade for their professionalism and their unswerving commitment to the ideals of the United Nations," he said.

Over the years, United Nations has significantly evolved and reformed itself to meet the expectations of its members. Bangladesh has always remained engaged in the process to make it a more dynamic and responsive organization, said the Chief Adviser.

"We have always believed in the indispensability of the UN, not just to promote peace and set norms and standards but also to foster development and eradicate poverty. The world owes the Millennium Development Goals to the UN," he said.

He hoped that only the UN - upholding the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation - can meaningfully help the developing countries achieve their MDGs.

In another message, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, "This is a crucial year in the life of the United Nations which has just passed the midpoint in the struggle to reach the Millennium Development Goals-our common vision for building a better world in the 21st century."

Partnership is the way of the future, he said, adding, "The United Nations must deliver results for a safer, healthier and more prosperous world".

He called on all partners and leaders to do their part and keep the promise.