Beijing’s UN compound hosted a high-profile ceremony on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, featuring video addresses by Secretary-General António Guterres, former UN chief Ban Ki-moon, and UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee. The event underscored the enduring relevance of multilateral cooperation amid global challenges.
UN Day, observed annually on 24 October, marks the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945. This year’s theme focused on revitalizing international collaboration to address climate change, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Ban Ki-moon emphasized that unity is “no longer an aspiration but a necessity,” urging nations to prioritize shared solutions over division.
Speakers highlighted China’s contributions to UN initiatives, including peacekeeping missions, pandemic response efforts, and climate action. Siddharth Chatterjee praised the country’s “steadfast commitment” to multilateral frameworks, citing its role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and green energy transitions.
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances celebrating global diversity and a renewed pledge to uphold the UN Charter’s principles. Diplomats and representatives echoed the need for strengthened dialogue to tackle pressing issues like food security and geopolitical tensions.
Against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, the gathering reinforced Beijing’s position as a key advocate for multilateralism, with participants calling for renewed trust in international institutions to build a more equitable future.
