chief appeals efforts for peace, sustainable on UN Day

Marking the United Nations Day which falls on Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for worldwide support for the organization to continue its mission of peace, sustainable development and human rights.

The United Nations Day, observed annually on Oct. 24, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN's founding document-- the UN Charter.

This year's observance of United Nations Day occurs at a time when the United Nations is in transition from its eighth Secretary-General to the ninth.

Ban said in a message that he has been honored to serve the organizations for the past ten years, and UN staff continue to rise to the occasion and respond to the plight of the vulnerable on the frontline of disasters worldwide.

"I thank people across the world for their support -- and urge all to give their full backing to Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres in continuing our global mission of peace, sustainable development and human rights," said Ban.

Ban also welcomed the announcement of the creation of the "Museum for the United Nations -- UN Live," a global museum, headquartered in Copenhagen.

He said he looks forward to cooperation between the United Nations system and the Museum to help raise awareness about and build support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and our efforts to build a better shared future for all.

The SDGs are a set of global goals aiming to end poverty, promote equality and combat climate change. This year's UN Day will be used to highlight concrete actions people can take to help achieve the SDGs.

(APD)