United Nations Day 2026
Remarks
By
Claver Gatete
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and
Executive Secretary of ECA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
25 October 2026
Your Excellency Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations,
Mr Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson and Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Mr Ozonnia Ojielo, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia,
Excellencies,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Colleagues from the United Nations family,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we mark 81 years since the Charter of the United Nations entered into force.
Over these eight decades, the Organization has grown from 51 founding members to 193 today, including 54 from Africa.
The world has made significant progress, even as conflicts, climate change and economic uncertainty continue to challenge our efforts to build a better future.
In his message marking this anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres underscores the foundational idea of our Organization — that humanity's future depends on our ability to work together for peace, development and human rights.
Excellencies,
Collective action depends on partners who believe in it. Here in Addis Ababa, the United Nations family has long found such a partner in the Government and people of Ethiopia.
I wish to express our sincere appreciation for their hospitality and their steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation.
That partnership is visible in Addis Ababa itself, which is home to the United Nations country team, the Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union and numerous embassies, making it a major center of international diplomacy.
The historic Africa Hall, where the Charter of the Organization of African Unity was signed in 1963, stands as a symbol of Ethiopia's contribution to African unity and its longstanding partnership with the United Nations.
Ethiopia's commitment to multilateralism predates the United Nations itself. A member of the League of Nations since 1923, Ethiopia was among the 51 founding members of the United Nations in 1945, one of only four African nations to do so.
That commitment has also been demonstrated through service to international peace and security. From 2016 to 2019, the country was the world's largest contributor of uniformed personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Excellencies,
Ethiopia's peacekeeping contribution is part of a much wider collective effort.
Across the world, the United Nations works to prevent conflict, deliver humanitarian assistance, protect human rights and advance sustainable development.
Here in Ethiopia, our agencies, funds and programmes work with national institutions and communities to translate these priorities into practical results, from responding to humanitarian needs to improving access to essential services and supporting long-term development.
Our partnership with the African Union is equally important. By working together on peace and security, sustainable development and regional integration, our two organizations can better respond to Africa's priorities and strengthen its voice in global affairs.
Climate action is another area where national efforts and international cooperation must go hand in hand.
Ethiopia has demonstrated its commitment to climate action through initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative, which promotes reforestation, environmental restoration and climate resilience.
Building on these efforts, Ethiopia's hosting of the 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32) in 2027 presents an important opportunity to advance global cooperation, particularly on adaptation and climate finance.
The United Nations will continue to work with Ethiopia and other partners to support preparations for a successful conference.
On this occasion, I also pay tribute to United Nations personnel serving around the world, including our colleagues here in Ethiopia, for their dedication and service, often under challenging circumstances.
And to our Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Ozonnia Ojielo, thank you for your leadership in bringing the United Nations family together and strengthening our joint efforts to serve the people of Ethiopia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we mark this anniversary, we must also reflect on our responsibilities for the future.
The United Nations Charter begins with the words “We the peoples.” They affirm that everything we do must ultimately serve the people of this world.
Let us therefore renew our commitment to the principles of the Charter and to a United Nations that delivers for all, at the national, continental and global levels — leaving no one behind.
A stronger Ethiopia. A united, prosperous Africa. A United Nations fit for the future.
Happy United Nations Day to you all.
I thank you.
