BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of global celebrations on the founding of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945, the United Nations (UN) in China is marking the UN's birthday by remembering the important and noble aspirations on which the UN is built.
The day serves to remind us that through the UN Charter "nations of the world have committed to resolve their differences peacefully; to promote dignity and human rights; to foster social and economic development; to protect our environment; and to provide humanitarian aid in case of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict" said Mr. Alain Noudehou, the UN Resident Coordinator in China.
He spoke at a UN Day function, which brought together more than four hundred representatives from the Chinese government, civil society, and the diplomatic and international community in Beijing. It was hosted in the historic garden at the Gongwangfu (Prince Kung's Mansion).
Gongwangfu is famous for the "Fu" culture, which in Chinese means "blessings, longevity, auspiciousness and happiness," explained Ambassador LU Shumin, President of United Nations Association of China, which co-organized the event. He stressed that "collective wisdom and efforts are needed to tackle the current world challenges, with the UN at the vital center, one that draws on every stakeholder: private businesses, non-governmental organizations, universities and research centers, international financial institutions."
On behalf of the UN Country Team in China, Mr. Noudehou thanked the Government of China for its commitment and leadership in supporting the work of the UN in China and globally. He stressed that over the past 35 years, the friendship between the UN and China has "grown in strength and in quality." He further reiterated that building on its extensive experience, and through its global network of experts, the UN can work with the Government so China can benefit from the experience of other countries - and at the same time, that the world will benefit from China's rich experience in development.
The 24 October 2014 marks the 69th Anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. In his message for UN Day, the UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon highlighted that "The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of multiple crises. Poverty, disease, terrorism, discrimination and climate change are exacting a heavy toll." He also reaffirmed UN's "commitment to empowering the marginalized and vulnerable."
More information on the UN Day is available on the following website: http://www.un.org/en/events/unday/
