Originally published on the CGS blog on October 24, 2007.
Today, October 24, is United Nations Day. This day should remind all of us of our nation’s important relationship with the only global forum where all countries can work together to solve the problems that we cannot solve alone.
If you think about it the U.S. and the U.N. are sort of like an old married couple.
Afterall, it is a historic relationship that works. Since we helped establish the United Nations 62 years ago, we’ve worked with the U.N. to keep the peace, fight disease and poverty, expand democracy and bring nations together to discuss their differences and find common ground in our interconnected world.
But, we’ve sort of come to a fork in the road. Some people would like us to turn our backs on this relationship, but at this critical juncture, now is the time to recommit to the U.N. and show that we’re willing to work with others. One way we do that is by paying our dues in full.
And, let’s face it; the U.N. needs us and we need the U.N. We’re going to the U.N. for help on Iran, Iraq, Darfur and North Korea, as well working with our partners to facilitate elections and defeat terrorism. For its part, the U.N. needs the U.S. to be a constructive force for reform and bring countries together to cooperate on the world’s most pressing challenges.
Even President Bush recognizes the importance of U.N. Day. He released a statement yesterday. – Here is a taste of it:
After World War II, representatives from around the globe gathered to begin deliberations on a new international bill of rights. The document adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stands as a landmark achievement in the history of human liberty. On United Nations Day, we recognize the contributions of this important body and underscore our dedication to reforming the institution and advancing the high ideals on which it was founded.
Today, the United Nations must recommit itself to maintaining international security and helping solve economic, social, and humanitarian problems. This great institution must work for great purposes: to free people from tyranny and violence, hunger and disease, illiteracy and ignorance, and poverty and despair.? With renewed commitment and courage, we can pursue the vision of the Universal Declaration and build a world where people are free to speak, assemble, and worship as they wish, and where opportunity crosses every border.
Our president puts the onus on the U.N. to “recommit itself to maintaining international security and helping solve economic, social, and humanitarian problems.” Isn’t our nation a partner in this effort with the entire global community, Mr. President?
