United Nations Day 2024 message by Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator

My name is Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator Guyana

On this United Nations Day, we gather to celebrate the United Nations, formed seventy-nine years ago, an institution that has stood for peace, development, and human rights for nearly eight decades. 

In a time when we face pressing issues like climate change, the rise of digital technology, and the impact of artificial intelligence, the United Nations remains steadfast in its mission, with human rights at the heart of everything we do.

The commitments made all those years ago still resonate today. 

Just last month at the UN General Assembly, Member States came together to adopt the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

These are not just documents; they represent our shared determination to create a fairer global financial system, ensure a safe and sustainable planet, and leverage technology for the benefit of all. 

At the heart of the United Nations is the idea of multilateralism, the belief that by working together, we can overcome even the most daunting global challenges. 

In today’s world, where conflicts, climate change, and inequality threaten our shared progress, cooperation is more important than ever.

Here in Guyana, we are fortunate to have the support of both the government and national stakeholders in these efforts. As a member of the UN Security Council, Guyana plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues including (i) climate change, food insecurity and conflict; (ii) peacebuilding and conflict prevention; (iii) women, peace and security; (iv) protection of children in armed conflict; and (v) youth, peace and security. 

Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – through integration into national policies and initiatives and through a collaborative approach by stakeholders that seeks to meet the diverse needs of all its citizens. 

On this United Nations Day, on behalf of the UN System of Funds, Agencies, and Programs, I express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and most importantly to the dedicated staff who do the hard work.

Your efforts ensure that no one is left behind—whether they are women, children, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons living with HIV/AIDS, or youth. Each of you plays a vital role in building a more inclusive society and we thank you.

As we celebrate UN Day today, let us not forget that the United Nations is not just an institution, it is an idea that lives in each of us. Every action we take to build understanding, to protect the vulnerable, and to promote equality contributes to a more just and sustainable world.

Thank you, and happy United Nations Day.