Today, October 24, marks the 79th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Established in the geopolitical aftermath of World War II, the UN was created to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations, with the goal of preventing future conflicts. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the UN’s crucial role in bringing nations together to tackle modern global challenges, from poverty and human rights to climate change.
UN Day reminds us that international cooperation is essential for ensuring a more peaceful and just world for all. In a world still plagued by suffering, injustice, and divisions, a multilateral approach, with the UN at the center of all efforts, has no sustainable alternative. The responsibility in this regard often lies with member states, and their political will and skill to address challenges and bridge differences. This also includes a readiness to reform the organization when there are systemic reasons and circumstances that hinder progress. Croatia strongly advocates for a UN that reflects the current global landscape and is organizationally, materially, and technically capable of contributing to multilateral cooperation among its member states.
Since its founding, the UN has expanded its scope to address a range of issues, including development, humanitarian aid, and environmental sustainability. Through its peacekeeping missions, the UN works to stabilize conflict-affected areas and protect civilians, while its agencies coordinate efforts on issues such as health, education, and food security. Despite many successes, challenges remain, including ongoing conflicts, inequalities, and climate crises. UN Day allows us to recognize the progress that has been made, while also acknowledging the work that still lies ahead, encouraging continued global cooperation.
The United Nations is not only about cooperation between governments but also about involving the broader public and other stakeholders in shaping global policies. This means promoting collaboration and incorporating solutions offered by civil society, academia, the private sector, and the media. Such a multidisciplinary approach is essential in addressing the highly complex challenges of today.
Through initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN aims to eradicate poverty, combat inequality, and ensure environmental sustainability by 2030, promoting the dignity, security, and human rights of people around the world. Although the path to achieving these goals is not without difficulties, the UN’s efforts underscore the importance of collective action by states for the common good.
This fall, just before the start of the 79th session of the General Assembly, the UN hosted the Summit of the Future, which brought together world leaders to agree on approaches to global challenges and find common solutions. A "Pact for the Future" was adopted, which includes the Global Digital Compact aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring safe digital spaces for all. Additionally, a Declaration on Future Generations was adopted, emphasizing the importance of involving youth in decision-making that will shape their future. The summit also addressed climate change, focusing on the upcoming UN COP 29 conference in Baku, which will address further climate actions and financial support for developing countries. These initiatives not only lay the foundation for a sustainable future but also promote global cooperation and solidarity. Through joint efforts, the world can make significant progress toward climate justice and sustainable development.
This year's UN Day celebration reinforces the idea that no country can solve global challenges alone. The Republic of Croatia, which became a UN member in 1992, actively promotes the core values of the UN enshrined in its Charter and contributes to all dimensions of the organization's work.
Looking ahead, Croatia aims to further contribute to the multilateral environment over the next decade, with a focus on participating in key UN bodies. Thus, the following candidacies for membership have been highlighted: Committee on Contributions (2025-2027), UN Tourism (2025-2029), Peacebuilding Commission (2026-2027), Security Council (2030-2031), Human Rights Council (2032-2034), and the Economic and Social Council (2033-2035).
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