UN75: Joint response to global challenges more important than ever

Ratification of the United Nations Charter 75 years ago, on the rubble of the Second World War, marked the foundation of the World Organization with the mission to preserve peace and security, to ensure social progress, and to protect human rights and dignity. International cooperation leys at the heart of the vision of the UN Charter. Montenegro, as one of the youngest members of the UN, actively contributes to strengthening multilateralism in many fields, including engagement in peacekeeping missions and regional initiatives, human rights protection, but also through achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year, the anniversary comes at a time of growing global socio-economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than a million lives so far and threatens to push over 115 million people into extreme poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the key vulnerabilities of humanity, but at the same time revealed the importance of a joint response to global challenges.

On the occasion of the United Nations Day 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srdjan Darmanović pointed out that during 75 years, the UN has confirmed that it represents the pivot of the international community in preserving peace and security, fighting poverty, providing humanitarian aid and protecting human rights. He emphasized that the irreplaceable role of the UN in facing global challenges was confirmed by the quick and comprehensive response of this organization to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Darmanović thanked the UN system in the country for its continuous support.

Montenegro remains committed to the fundamental values and principles of the United Nations. We will continue to be a reliable partner that inherits democratic values and nurtures good neighborly relations and cooperation

Srdjan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

Foreign Minister reminded that Montenegro firmly believes in the idea of multilateralism, with the United Nations at the center and that it remains committed to fulfilling the obligations from the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement.

I am convinced that Montenegro will continue to improve cooperation with its partners and that it will remain open for future collaboration in all spheres of UN’s work"

Srdjan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, who is also UNDP Resident Representative, Daniela Gašparíková points out that no country can cope with global challenges on its own, no matter how strong.

Pandemics, climate change, and cybercrime know no borders. In a world connected like never before, shared response to such challenges is more important than ever. The United Nations, as the organization with the greatest convening potential, is the strongest forum for a multilateral response to global challenges

Daniela Gašparíková, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, and UNDP Resident Representative

Gašparíková reminding that during the past seven and a half decades, the world has achieved a lot thanks to the cooperation between states. “Huge strides have been made in education, disease control but also in the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. However, the progress of humanity has been uneven, and perhaps the best indication of this is the uneven response of health systems to COVID-19,” - said Gašparíková, emphasizing that the pandemic revealed the importance of multilateralism and recalling the words of the UN Secretary-General that "the global health system is as strong as its weakest part.”

On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a global dialogue with people from all over the world, so that the United Nations could hear their concerns and fears, but also their hopes, ideas, and visions for the future. More than 13 million people from all over the world participated in the global dialogue, sharing their views on desired development directions.

The voice of the people of Montenegro was quite strong in this process, with over 1% of the population participating in the dialogue and directly pointing to development priorities, growing challenges, and possible solutions.

They’ve recognized solidarity, support to the most vulnerable, and universal access to health as key drivers of the efficient response to COVID-19. Furthermore, the people of Montenegro see human rights, environment, and employment as major development priorities, while recognizing climate change, armed conflicts, and health risks as major global challenges of the future.

“The UN75 consultations showed that the citizens of Montenegro profoundly understand global developments and trends. It was particularly encouraging to learn that the people of Montenegro recognize the importance of multilateralism since the majority of participants identified international cooperation as essential in facing the key challenges," said Gašparíková.

Only by working together will we be able to achieve a vision of progress for future generations from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which strives to leave no one behind.

Daniela Gašparíková, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, and UNDP Resident Representative