Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
On UN Charter Day, observed on 26 June, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the foundational principles of the UN Charter, describing it as a promise to choose cooperation over chaos, law over lawlessness, dignity over domination, and hope over fear. The Charter, signed in 1945, set major principles for international relations and established the UN’s goals, including maintaining peace, protecting human rights, and promoting social progress.
During a General Assembly meeting, Mr. Guterres, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and Member States renewed their commitment to the Charter’s principles. Amid criticism of the UN’s effectiveness in preventing conflicts and addressing global crises, speakers stressed that these challenges highlight the need for stronger multilateral cooperation, not less.
Mr. Guterres acknowledged strains on the UN’s founding promise, citing ongoing wars of territorial expansion, attacks on civilians, broken ceasefires, and selective enforcement of international law. He highlighted UN achievements in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, vaccination campaigns, conflict mediation, international justice, and development aid. While recognizing the UN is not perfect, he stated that it remains irreplaceable and urged against selective application of the Charter’s principles.
Addressing calls for reform, Mr. Guterres and Ms. Baerbock advocated for changes that would strengthen the UN and multilateralism. Ms. Baerbock called the UN a “miracle of humanity,” noting it would be challenging to create a similar institution today. She acknowledged shortcomings in conflict prevention, mentioning Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, but described the UN80 reform initiative as a chance to make the organization more agile and efficient.
The commemoration also recognized achievements such as UNICEF’s immunization campaigns, credited with saving over 150 million children’s lives, alongside peacekeeping missions and other efforts.