Secretary-General, in Message for International Charity Day, Encourages All to Help Ease Human Suffering, Build Peaceful, Sustainable Future

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Charity, observed on 5 September:

The International Day of Charity coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work to overcome poverty.  Upon receiving the prize, she famously gave the money that came with it to some of the poorest people in India.

At a time when the need for humanitarian assistance has never been higher and when there are more refugees and displaced people than at any time since the end of the Second World War, charities play an increasingly vital role in meeting human need.  As recognized in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the resources, knowledge and ingenuity of philanthropic and volunteer organizations will be invaluable partners in implementing the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

United Nations development and humanitarian agencies also rely on donations from the public as well as the generosity of Governments to continue their lifesaving work in response to development challenges, natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies.

On this International Day, I call on people everywhere to volunteer and act charitably in the face of human suffering.  Such expressions of solidarity help us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful and sustainable future for all.