UN Day 2023 Message from the UN Resident Coordinator Micronesia

Alii, Kaselehlie, Iakwe, Kamawir Omo, Mauri

Seventy-eight years ago on 24 October 1945, the UN was born. It was a day of hope for a better future of mankind. A day when we hoped to stop all wars, to stop all forms of exploitation and to leave no one behind.

We have come a long way but have not yet arrived at our desired station. We are still fighting, and we are still causing harm to future generations by exploiting our planet and its precious resources in an unsustainable manner.

Let’s agree to come together in our homes and in our communities and say enough is enough. Let’s work together in bringing peace. Let’s work together in fighting climate change and adapting to its impact. Let’s do our bit in reducing pollution and in protecting precious biodiversity on land and in the oceans.

I have had the honor to be hosted by Pohnpei and FSM since my appointment by the UN Secretary General on 1 October 2021. An appointment with marching orders to establish a UN Multi-Country Office for the North Pacific covering the countries of Palau, FSM, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati. Orders that included the need to enhance and diversify UN’s engagement in the North Pacific to help build a better future for all Micronesians.

I am glad that we have made progress. That we have put in place a Cooperation Framework for the Pacific and Country Implementation Plans which include active engagements in each of the five Micronesian countries. A Cooperation Framework that aspires to contribute to a Pacific region where “All people, leaving no place behind, are equal and free to exercise their fundamental rights, enjoying gender equality and peace, resilient to the existential threats and living in harmony with the blue continent.” A Cooperation Framework that has been prepared in close consultation with the leadership and people of fourteen Pacific Islands Countries and Territories. People who are the stewards of a large part of our planet that includes unique biodiversity and bountiful natural resources.

In recognizing UN Day, let’s also recognise the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to human rights and a better, more sustainable world. A word where no one is left behind.

Together, we can create a brighter future for Micronesia and the entire world.

Thank you