UN in China commemorates 80th anniversary of the United Nations

The UN Day, observed annually on 24 October, marks the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. This year's celebration coincides with a significant milestone — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations — and held under the global theme “Building Our Future Together”. The event served as a reminder of the UN’s founding mission to uphold peace, human rights, and sustainable development, while reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in addressing today’s global challenges.

In his video message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the UN’s eight-decade legacy of forging peace, advancing human rights, and tackling global challenges. He emphasized the urgency of collective action in the face of today’s escalating crises and reaffirmed the enduring promise of the United Nations. 

“Let’s show the world what is possible when ‘we the peoples’ choose to act as one,” he urged.

The event welcomed senior Chinese officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. In his remarks, Cai Wei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, reiterated China’s strong support for the work of the United Nations and emphasized the country’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, global peace, and sustainable development. 

“China has all along stood firmly on the right side of history. We have fully supported the cause of the United Nations, actively undertaken our responsibilities as a major country, and remained committed to being a contributor to global development, a defender of world peace, a driver of human civilization, and a builder of international order,” he said.

Leaders from the UN delivered remarks highlighting the Organization’s evolving partnership with China and the need for bold, inclusive cooperation to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

In his address, the 8th UN Secretary-General and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, underscored the enduring value of the UN Charter and the relevance of global solidarity.

“The UN is not perfect, but it is indispensable. It is the workshop where our ‘together’ is made — in dialogue to wage peace, in treaties to protect our planet, and in action to feed the hungry and heal the sick,” he stated.

In his remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, reflected on the historic milestone of UN at 80 and China’s role in shaping multilateral cooperation. 

“If we stand together—in solidarity, in trust, and in shared resolve—there is no challenge beyond our reach. The United Nations was born from humanity’s determination to rise from the ruins; it must now become the engine of our renewal,” he affirmed.

Artistic performances also formed part of the celebration, blending cultural traditions with modern interpretations to reflect the UN’s global identity and spirit of cooperation. The UN in China expressed appreciation to all supporting partners and guests, with special thanks to the International Center on Cooperation (ICC) for their contribution to the success of the event.

As the international community prepares for the next UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), UN Day 2025 offered a moment to reflect on lessons from the past and forge new pathways forward. Echoing the spirit of the UN80 Initiatives, it also called for renewed commitment to global solidarity, inclusive dialogue, and transformative action to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future for all.