..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date 24 October 2005
Press Release No: L/51/2005

Message of Mr. Kim Hak-Su
UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP

for the UN Day, 24 October 2005

The United Nations is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The theme -- A Time for Renewal – is most appropriate as we rededicate ourselves to the ideals of the United Nations today, 24 October 2005.

The world is more unified than it has ever been before. There is more peace in our region and an increasing consensus on the UN values of peace, security and development and stronger political will. Our region knows it must unite against the threats of disease, poverty and inequality so that together we can reach the Millennium Development Goals.

Last month, world leaders met at the 2005 World Summit in New York to discuss UN reform and policies to reduce hunger and poverty by 50 per cent in the next 10 years. They decided to create new UN bodies for promoting human rights, building lasting peace, and following up on the new consensus on fighting terrorism. These decisions will have a significant impact on our region.

The United Nations family of agencies in Thailand and the region is engaged in work that touches every aspect of people's lives.

Asia-Pacific countries are turning to the United Nations to help in humanitarian disasters, peace building and elections, the fight against drugs and international crimes like trafficking, and in tackling epidemics such as polio, avian flu and HIV/AIDS. The United Nations was also on the scene when the December 2004 tsunami struck.

I should like to express my warm appreciation to all of you who have contributed toward the success of this day. I am especially grateful to the Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Government of Thailand , for unwavering support of the UN 60 th Anniversary Asia-Pacific Animation Competition. The Competition was a major success with over 100 entries from countries across the region, it was a creative and effective means of promoting the ideals of the United Nations.

In this spirit of celebration, let us join together in marking 60 years of peace and development by rededicating ourselves to continued endeavours to advance the cause of larger freedom, in accordance with the United Nations Charter's affirmation of faith “….in the dignity and worth of the human person….”

Thank you.

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