UN Chronicle: Issue 3, 1999: On the Eve of the Millennium

"The birth today of the six billionth person on the planet -- a beautiful boy -- in a city returning to life, to a people rebuilding their homes, in a region restoring a culture of coexistence after a decade of war -- should light a path of tolerance and understanding for all peoples."

Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed these thoughts as he greeted the eight-pound newborn designated "Baby 6 Billion". Adnan Mevic was born one minute after midnight on 12 October 1999 at Sarajevo's Kosevo Hospital to Fatima and Jasminko Mevic. Twelve days later, on 24 October, Mr. Annan spoke of the opening of "a new chapter in human history", in a statement on the occasion of United Nations Day.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE
ON UNITED NATIONS DAY

24 October 1999

My dear friends,

This year's United Nations Day is a special one. The world's population has just passed six billion, and we are about to enter a new millennium.

In one sense, both these things are simply numbers. Yet both give us something to celebrate, and something to think about. Together, they mark the opening of a new chapter in human history -- a chapter in which, more than ever before, we shall all share the same destiny.

It is a moment to take stock: to look back on what we have achieved, and where we have failed B and then to look forward, and think how we can make the new era better than the old.

It is shocking to think that half of us -- three billion out of the six billion -- are entering the new era in abject poverty, with three dollars a day, or less, to live on. That is one thing we really must change.

It is also shocking that people in so many places today are exposed to violence and brutality. The twentieth century has been the most murderous in human history. We must make sure the twenty-first is more peaceful, and more humane.

And it is worrying that the world's climate seems to be changing, in a way which could destroy the homes and livelihoods of millions. Controlling and managing this process may yet prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

People all over the world look to the United Nations to protect them -- from hunger, disease, violence B and natural disasters -- whenever the task seems too big for nations, or regions, to handle alone. But we at the United Nations can do nothing alone, either. Our strength is the strength of our member states, when they agree to act together for the common good.

Next year, leaders from all over the world will come to New York for the Millennium Summit. They will consider the challenges ahead, and what the United Nations can do to face them.

Those leaders will be representing you, the peoples of the United Nations. It is up to you to make sure they come here firmly resolved to take decisions which can lead to a better life for all of us, and for our children.

I am counting on you all -- and I thank you all.

Comments

"The challenge on the Day of Six Billion is to live up to the promise or our time to give every man, woman and child an opportunity to make the most of their abilities in safety and in dignity.

For the sake of baby Mevic and all who will follow him, let us rededicate ourselves to this noble aim".

Secretary-General
Kofi Annan
on 12 October 1999,
The Day of Six Billion