Message from UN Iraq SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on UN Day

These aspirations are all too significant and appropriate here in the Middle East, as well as in the rest of the world.

With ongoing heartbreaking conflicts, coupled with divisions both within and across borders, the United Nations retains its unique role. It engages with different actors to end violence and resolve conflicts, while working – sometimes in the most difficult of conditions – to mitigate their adverse effects on vulnerable civilians, including by delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance.

In Iraq and elsewhere, the United Nations serves people of every sector of society, working with national institutions and civil society to advance the aspirations of all. Iraq is a founding member of the United Nations and has long contributed to its work. Collectively, we have a job to do: promoting peace, justice and sustainable development.

Even during the darkest of days, the principles and values of the United Nations can still account for hope of global unity and peace. We pay tribute to our colleagues across the world, many of whom work in challenging contexts. In doing so, we remember those who have lost their lives. And we recommit to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter which entered into force on this day in 1945.