United Nations 62st Anniversary: Joint Press Briefing by UN in Ukraine and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

25 October, 2007. Kyiv, Ukraine. UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Francis M. O'Donnell and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Handogiy delivered a joint press briefing on observance of the 62^nd anniversary of the United Nations.

Welcoming the journalists, the UN Resident Coordinator congratulated all on the anniversary of establishing the United Nations and emphasized Ukraine's historic role as a founding member. He underlined the UN system's critical role in finding multilateral solutions to international problems, especially in this era of rapid globalization. He also described how the regulation of the global commons is one of the less-widely understood benefits of the UN system, enabling air travel, telecommunications, maritime safety, and food standards, in addition to its more widely-known work in development, peace and security, humanitarian relief, and human rights. Mr. O'Donnell also described the priorities of the new Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that include addressing the growing challenge of climate change.

Also, Mr. O'Donnell underscored Ukraine's substantial contribution in addressing peacemaking and human rights challenges. Giving highlights of UN system activities in Ukraine, he reminded journalists of four main areas of cooperation between the UN and the Government of Ukraine for 2006 - 2010, namely institutional reforms, health care and services, civil society empowerment and poverty eradication.

"The UN actively engages the business sector through the UN Global Compact initiative both globally and in Ukraine, as well as civil society in the broader sense of widening the partnership with the State and international actors", stated Mr. O'Donnell. "Joining the efforts of civil society and responsible business alongside Ukrainian authorities, with the UN and other bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors will result in effective solutions to the country's challenges for the benefits of all people living in Ukraine", he continued.  

First deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Volodymyr Handogiy quoted the statement on observance of UN day sent to UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In particular, he confirmed Ukraine's support to the Secretary-General in UN reform, peacemaking and peacekeeping worldwide, in promoting human rights, social inclusion and prosperity of all nations. Mr. Handogiy also emphasized that enhancing Ukraine's contribution to the United Nations is one of the foreign policy priorities of our country.

For further information, please contact Ms. Veronika Vashchenko, UN Communications Officer at e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , tel: (+38 044) 453-9363, 254-0035. www.un.org.ua.

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Note to Editor:

24 October - is the United Nations birthday. On 24 October 1945 the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution 2782 recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday.