A blog by SI UN Representative Designate, Jacqueline Shapiro
“26 June 1945, is recognised as one of the most significant dates in modern history. Following months of negotiations, representatives from 50 countries signed the Charter of the United Nations.
The United Nations (UN) represents the ‘best’ aspirations of all the people of the world to work together to find solutions to the world’s problems, and to live in peace and for the prosperity of all. It seems appropriate to link to the Preamble of the UN Charter below:
WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED visit the UN Charter HERE
The UN Charter is a remarkable document not only for its vision of a new order amongst the nations it represents, but for the historical context of the times. That 50 nations representing many different political systems and ideologies, faiths and cultural practices, and at varied stages of economic development, could share a vision of a more equitable and peaceful world, and furthermore, agree on a cooperative organisation to address change, was surely an immense achievement.
Some only see the many shortcomings of this unique international organisation, which is ever grappling with the diverse and often competing interests of individual nations. Yet, the UN has adopted over the years more than sixty multilateral conventions and treaties that set international norms on fundamental issues such as human rights, peace and the environment, beside less obvious, but important agreements that regulate aspects of international living such as freedom of the seas, the postal system and air regulations. In addition to the six principles bodies which work to carry out the mission of the United Nations, the UN now has 30+ programmes, agencies and funds, and specialised agencies to implement its activities.
For Soroptimist International members, the United Nations must be regarded as the major force for advancing the rights of women and girls and gender equality. We must continue to strengthen and expand our partnership with this vital entity!”
How can you celebrate the anniversary of the UN?
Soroptimist International is a partner of UN2020. The UN2020 initiative believes that the 75th Anniversary of the UN is an opportunity for civil society, governments and the UN to come together to strengthen the UN system for improved multilateral relations and problem solving to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
To learn more about UN2020 visit here: http://un2020.org/what-is-the-un2020-initiative/
The UN is to mark its 75th anniversary with a one-day high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on Monday, 21 September 2020 on the theme, ‘The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism’.
Learn More: https://www.un.org/en/un75
Take a one-minute survey and share it widely online: www.un75.online
Check out the UN75 toolkit with guidelines on how to join, and inspire conversations and amplify voices through channels and communities for people to talk and be heard.We will be adding more information on online dialogues in the coming days
Follow @JoinUN75 and #UN75 on social media and add your voice to the testimonials from people who have already taken part
Visit HERE to listen to a podcast highlighting a brief history of the UN Charter.