UN Turns 80: “Reaffirming the UN commitment to serve all communities in Kosovo”

Amid serious present-day challenges being faced by the world, there is no other global organization with legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the United Nations. No other global body gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want.

Today, October 24, is United Nations Day, commemorating the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force in 1945. Signed and ratified by all UN Member States, it calls on nations to “practice tolerance and live together in peace… and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security” as well as to promote “economic and social advancement of all peoples”.

“Today, like every other day, we reflect on the power of those words, which continues to guide the work of the United Nations for the last 80 years. UNMIK has a long and significant presence in Kosovo, which is deeply tied to its past and present. While much has changed, our commitment to serving all communities in Kosovo remains steadfast,” Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNMIK Milbert Dongjoon Shin said. 

He acknowledged the current financial challenges facing the UN due to global funding shortfalls but affirmed UNMIK’s continued support to the people and institutions of Kosovo in building trust, providing political analysis and reporting to UN Member States, exercising residual interim administration functions and offering good offices. 

The United Nations Kosovo Team, comprising 18 agencies, funds and programmes, supports projects and initiatives that advance the Sustainable Development Goals and improve lives across all communities. United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo Stephen O’Malley said today marks a moment to look back on eight decades of progress while preparing for the future:

“We are entering a new era with new challenges; the lessons from 80 years ago remain valid and important, but we also need to refocus – both as an organization and as communities - on today's very real challenges in order to build resilient and prosperous societies.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reflected on the challenges ahead and the “living promise” the organization represents. 

“This is no time for timidity or retreat. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone. On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of your United Nations.”

A photo highlighting work being done in Kosovo, supported by UNMIK, is part of a global photography exhibition highlighting the United Nations at 80, called “Shared Lives, Shared Future”, which features more than 200 photos and stories from around the world.