The UN in Thailand organized the UN 75th anniversary commemoration to draw attention to the power of innovation and partnerships, especially among younger generations, in building a better future post COVID-19

The United Nations is marking its 75th anniversary at a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts. 

On October 26, the United Nations in Thailand organized the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations at the United Nations Conference Centre to draw attention to the power of innovation and partnerships, especially among younger generations, in building a better future post COVID-19.

United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres in a special video message stressed the importance of international solidarity during the pandemic. “We face colossal challenges. With global solidarity and cooperation, we can overcome them. That is what the United Nations is all about. On this anniversary, I ask people everywhere to join together. The United Nations not only stands with you; the United Nations belong to you and is you: we the peoples,” said Guterres. s 

In January 2020, the United Nations launched the UN75 initiative. Dubbed the world’s largest conversation, thousands of people shared their hopes and fears for the future, as well as their expectations of international cooperation and of the UN in particular. When asked where we should be in 25 years, most responses focused on human rights, environmental protection, tackling inequalities and better access to education. Respondents also cited climate change and environmental issues as the most influential trends for the future. 

“We know that youth engagement and leadership is absolutely essential for the future we want and the UN we need. We need to redouble our efforts in youth co-labs, find new ways to reach out to young people, and engage with them to find solutions to today’s development challenges. Most importantly, we need to listen to their voices and build partnerships to take meaningful action on the Sustainable Development Goals,” highlighted the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand Gita Sabharwal. 

Ms Armida S. Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP and H.E. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand also delivered their welcoming remarks to the participants. 

“History teaches that we are more effective and relevant if we empower people to support the societal transformation that we aspire together. Accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and other internationally agreed development goals, is possible only through an enhanced multilateral cooperation and development partnership,” said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. 

“Let us recommit to common ideals as well as the future promise of concrete actions. Let us assert ownership of a multilateral institution that is responsive and fit for the purpose so as to allow us to face upcoming uncertainties with confidence. Meanwhile, we the people should keep on strongly our partnership for peace and prosperity for the good of our planet,” underscored Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Mr Don Pramudwinai in his keynote remarks. 

Several dignitaries and eminent persons also shared messages reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year journey and the way forward. They included Prime Minister of Tuvalu Hon. Mr Kausea Natano, Kazakhstan Foreign Minister H.E. Mr Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Maldives Foreign Minister H. E. Mr Abdulla Shahid, Nepal Foreign Minister H.E. Mr Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Republic of Korea Foreign Minister H. E. Ms Kang Kyung-wha, Russian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr Evgeny Tomikhin, Chairperson of China Disabled Persons’ Federation HE Ms Haidi Zhang, Fung Group Senior Advisor Ms Barbara Meynert, former Pacific Community Director General Dr Collin Tukuitonga, Asia Director of the Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration Ms Elenita Dano, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General Mr Fabrizio Hochschild and 75-year old former staff ESCAP member Ms Pudpong Ujjin. 

Broadcast live on YouTube, the Asia-Pacific commemoration also featured the final part of ESCAP’s Regional Conversation Series on Building Back Better. Six young trailblazing innovators – Aeloi Technologies Co-Founder Ms Sonika Manandhar, Ricult Thailand Co-Founder and CEO Mr Aukrit Unahalekhaka, Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund Founder Ms Asel Kubanychbekova, Fusion Hub Founder Ms Sagufta Janif, MOTIONECO Founder and CEO Mr Shutong Liu and Indonesian Member of Parliament Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri - shared their journeys of innovation and how they have helped to bring about meaningful changes at the grassroot, national and international levels. From using new technologies to empower farmers, underprivileged women and microentrepreneurs to making clean energy more available and affordable, their work has left a clear footprint in the society. The discussions also brought to light what is needed for change to take root, from embracing sustainability in individual choices to policy support for social enterprises.

Watch the commemoration at www.bit.ly/WatchRC6