2018 UN Day: “Better Together-Partnerships for SDGs”

Nicholas Rosellini, United Nations Resident Coordinator, delivers a speech at the UN Day Celebration ceremony themed “Better Together-Partnerships for SDGs” at Phoenix International Media Centre in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2018. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

BEIJING, Oct.24(Guangming Online)-- United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.

A lot has happened since 1945. UN’s role in maintaining peace and security, and accelerating sustainable development becomes more crucial than ever. In 2015, international community adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda outlines a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets, are the successors of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) touching upon almost every aspect of development. The scale and ambition of the 2030 Agenda has placed partnerships at the forefront. Partnerships at an unprecedented scale will be required to achieve the agenda. No Government, no individual, and no organization, will be able to achieve the SDGs alone.

On the 2018 UN Day, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in China hosted a UN Day Celebration themed “Better Together-Partnerships for SDGs” at Phoenix International Media Centre with the support of Phoenix, strategic media partner of the UN in China. The theme aims to highlight the importance of partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and showcase the inspiring examples of contributions from inclusive partners in promoting SDGs and addressing the most critical issues of our time.

“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.” Mr. Nicholas Rosellini, United Nations Resident Coordinator, quoted from former UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan in his welcoming remarks during the celebration ceremony. “With the passing of Mr. Kofi Annan earlier this year, the UN and the World lost one of the most forceful champions of the UN Charter and its values. But, the legacy of Mr. Kofi Annan lives on.” He said. We should carry forward the belief and spirit of Mr. Annan and stay closely together to face the challenges in today’s world. 

Mr. Liu Shuang, COO of Phoenix Satellite TV and CEO of Phoenix New Media first opened the celebration by a welcome speech to guests to Phoenix Media Centre. Mr. Zhang Jun, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a keynote speech. Assistant Minister Zhang stressed that the world is facing many pressing challenges and multilateralism becomes critical in helping address the issues. China is firm supporter for multilateralism and will continue to offer strong support to the UN for its efforts worldwide.

The speeches were followed by musical performances by Mr. Steve Bedi, Ghanaian Saxophonist and Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS. Talented performers from Peace Companion Orchestra, Central Conservatory of Music Student Band and Acapella by Peking University Sing Song Band also presented excellent shows.

Around 600 participants from Government agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, the private sector, and media joined the event.

UN System in China The UN System in China consists of 24 UN funds, programs and specialized agencies resident in China. All UN entities in China work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations at various levels to support the Government to implement its national development objectives as well as Internationally Agreed Development Goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals. UN in China focuses its work on Poverty Reduction and Equitable Development, Improved and Sustainable Environment, and Enhanced Global Engagement.