Message by
H.E. MR. HARRI HOLKERI
President of the General Assembly
on the occasion of
United Nations Day
24 October 2000
The United Nations is our
only truly global and representative world body. It is the only place where
all countries, large or small, can meet as equals to try to work together to
solve the enormous problems our world faces. And work together we must, because
only together can we eradicate poverty, fight HIV/AIDS, promote human rights,
protect our environment, prevent conflicts or tackle all the other challenges
that lie ahead.
Too many United Nations personnel, both civilian and military, have given their
lives to make ours better. We must make sure that their safety and security
is improved. On this day we pay tribute to them. And to all those who are working
for a better world.
At the Millennium Summit world leaders made history here at the United Nations.
They committed themselves to real goals that if met, will ensure that our children
inherit a world that is a better place to live. But those goals cannot be met
just with promises. We need action.
I pledge to do my utmost to make sure governments follow up on those promises.
I hope that you too will use this United Nations Day to recommit yourself to
work for the goals of peace, justice and equality that this Organization stands
for. Let us not forget that the United Nations represents the aspirations of
all peoples.