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UN is needed more than ever -- Ban

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
NEW YORK, Oct 23 (KUNA) -- The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of multiple crises on the international arena, the UN chief Ban Ki-moon noted in celebration of the 69th anniversary of the UN founding, falling tomorrow (Friday).
"Poverty, disease, terrorism, discrimination and climate change are exacting a heavy toll," he stated on the annual international occasion.
Millions of people continue to suffer deplorable exploitation through bonded labour, human trafficking, sexual slavery or unsafe conditions in factories, fields and mines, he added.
Regardless of painful setbacks, and much work ahead to realize the Charter vision, Ban affirmed that the founding of the United Nations was a solemn pledge to the world's people to end such assaults on human dignity, and lead the way to a better future. "But we can take heart from our achievements," he said.
The UN Millennium Development Goals have inspired the most successful anti-poverty campaign ever. United Nations treaties addressing inequality, torture and racism have protected people, while other agreements have safeguarded the environment, Ban added.
Despite ebola, ISIL and other critical issues, the UN peacekeepers have been able to separate hostile forces, mediators have settled disputes and humanitarian workers have delivered life-saving aid.
At this critical moment, Ban called for reaffirming the commitment to empower the marginalized and vulnerable.
On United Nations Day, Ban called on Governments and individuals to work "in common cause for the common good." United Nations Day, marked annually on October 24, is dedicated to the global efforts and achievements of the UN since its founding on this date in 1945.
Getting closer to the 70th anniversary, the "UN70" celebration aims to unite Member States, global civil society and the many individual women and men working in common cause to enable a strong UN to realize a better world.
In an earlier occasion, Ban said "the year 2015 is a once-in-a generation opportunity, our goal is to put people at the centre and protect our one and only planet, our duty is to end poverty, leave no one behind and build lives of dignity for all." This year, the UN will mark the Day with a live Concert that will serve as an occasion to highlight, celebrate and reflect on the work of the organization and its family of agencies through the universal language of music.
The 2014 United Nations Day Concert features world renowned-pianist and UN Messenger of Peace Lang Lang.(end) mao.rk