Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Friday emphasized that the United Nations, marking its 80th anniversary, must continue to evolve and adapt to fulfill the collective aspirations for peace and multilateralism.“We join the call for reforming the UN to make it more agile, integrated, and equipped to deliver the aspirations of all people in an evolving global landscape,” he said in a message on the occasion of United Nations Day, observed on October 24.Prof. Yunus pledged that Bangladesh will continue to contribute to ensuring a stable and peaceful world, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. On this occasion, Prof. Yunus extended greetings on behalf of the people of Bangladesh to all Member States, partners in the UN system, and other stakeholders.
“This is an occasion for the international community to renew its pledge to build a world free from fear and want, and to rejuvenate the spirit of multilateralism and consensus-building that the UN embodies,” he said.
Reflecting on the UN’s achievements over the past eight decades, Prof. Yunus highlighted its indispensable role in promoting peace and security, protecting human rights, advancing sustainable development, and improving lives globally.
Since joining the UN in 1974, Bangladesh has actively contributed as a responsible member, he said. “Bearing the flag of the culture of peace, Bangladesh has participated in the most perilous UN peacekeeping missions and remains one of the leading contributor countries under the UN blue helmet,” he added. He noted that many Bangladeshi soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace.
Prof. Yunus stressed that countries of the Global South, including Bangladesh, benefit from a rules-based multilateral system in areas such as sustainable development, trade, and climate action. However, he voiced concern over rising unilateral measures, unequal treatment in bilateral relations, and recent conflicts, which have plunged the world into uncertainty.
“Multilateral diplomacy is under strain,” he said, warning that extreme nationalism and indifference to human suffering are undermining decades of human progress. He referred to ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the persecution of Rohingyas as urgent issues requiring renewed international attention.
Building a Future Together
The UN, the most universal international organization, promotes peace, human rights, and social progress, including access to healthcare and education, improving living standards worldwide.
Eighty years after its founding, the UN faces new challenges. Initiatives such as Agenda 2030, the Pact for the Future, and UN80 aim to renew the foundations of international cooperation and ensure the organization continues to deliver for people everywhere.
A Symbol of Hope for Global Unity
United Nations Day, observed on October 24, commemorates the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. With its ratification by a majority of signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the UN officially came into being.
“No other global organization gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want,” the UN stated. Prof. Yunus stressed that, now more than ever, countries must come together to fulfill the promise of united nations. United Nations Day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the international community for eight decades.