Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the United Nations must continue to evolve and adapt to fulfill the collective aspiration for peace and multilateralism.
“The United Nations must continue to evolve and adapt if it is to fulfill our collective aspiration 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.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks in a message marking United Nations Day on Friday, October 24, which commemorates the 80th founding anniversary of the UN.
“On this solemn occasion, we pledge that Bangladesh will continue to do its part to ensure a stable and peaceful world, as envisioned in the UN Charter,” he said.
On the occasion, he wished all member states, partners in the UN system and other stakeholders a happy United Nations Day on behalf of the people of Bangladesh.
He said the day serves as an opportunity for the international community to renew its pledge to build a world free from fear and want, and rejuvenate the spirit of multilateralism and consensus-building that the UN embodies.
Over the past eight decades, the UN has expanded its scope of work and deepened its engagement around the globe, he said, noting its indispensable role in advancing peace and security, protecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.
Since attaining UN membership in 1974, Bangladesh has assiduously built its reputation as an active, responsible and contributing member of the organisation, Professor Yunus said.
“Bearing the flag of the culture of peace, Bangladesh has been participating in the most perilous UN peacekeeping operations across the globe and has been one of the leading contributor countries under the UN blue helmet,” he said.
“Many of our valiant soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice for the sake of establishing peace,” he added.
He noted that countries of the global South, including Bangladesh, thrive in a rules-based multilateral system, while expressing concern over unilateral measures and unequal treatment in bilateral relations.
The Chief Adviser warned that recent conflicts have plunged the world into collective uncertainty.
“We must acknowledge that multilateral diplomacy is under strain. Extreme nationalism and indifference to human pain are destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle,” he said.
He said the world has become an audience to live broadcasts of a genocide in Gaza.
“In our own backyard, we have witnessed the deprivation of rights and persecution of the Rohingyas, rooted in cultural identity-based politics, for which we have called for renewed attention of the international community,” he said.
