UN Resident Coordinator - UN Day Message

This year, the United Nations turns 80—a milestone of celebration, reflection, and renewal. 

Born from the ashes of war, the UN was founded on a simple but powerful truth: humanity is stronger when we stand together in the pursuit of peace, shared prosperity, and human rights. 

The founding vision—“We the Peoples”—continues to unite the world for a common purpose. 

For South Africa, this story is deeply personal.  

The UN stood as a partner in the struggle against Apartheid, committed to safeguarding peace and upholding human rights for all. 

Over the last 30 years, the UN has accompanied South Africa on the journey of transformation from the emergence of democracy to the transition to people-centered and planet-sensitive development. 

Today, this promise lives on in every partnership, every policy, and every community where the UN is at work—encouraging job creation and inclusive growth, empowering women and youth, strengthening education, food, energy, and health systems, tackling inequality and inefficient governance, advancing resilience building and climate action, and supporting South Africa’s leadership in Africa and the world. 

In the past year alone, our joint efforts have helped connect over 70,000 people to affordable internet, trained more than 120 young women as solar technicians, and supported thousands in mining communities to shape a greener economy.  

We have worked side by side with government and civil society to expand access to social protection and essential services and drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. 

But we also know that our work is far from over.  

Across the world—and here in this Rainbow Nation—inequality, disillusionment, conflict, and the climate crisis threaten the progress being made. 

The next 80 years will depend on what we do together today: how we rebuild trust in institutions, empower the next generation, safeguard the wellbeing of people and planet, and deliver on the promise of the 2030 Agenda and the new UN Pact for the Future. 

As G20 President and a leading voice of the Global South, South Africa is helping shape a fairer, more inclusive multilateral system.  

Africa must not only be a participant in global decisions—it must be a co-creator of the future.  

From innovation and youth leadership to trade and climate action, Africa brings energy and resilience to global governance. 

The message is clear: Africa’s unstoppable rise depends on partnership, accountability, value addition, and shared responsibility. 

Therefore, let us fortify our efforts—as partners, as citizens, as one humanity—to build a world that is more inclusive, more peaceful, and more sustainable. 

Together, let us recommit and keep the promise of the United Nations alive for current and future generations through bold and unified action. 

I thank you.