Originally published on the CGS blog on October 24, 2012.
“We are living through a period of profound turmoil, transition and transformation. Insecurity, inequality and intolerance are spreading. Global and national institutions are being put to the test. With so much at stake, the United Nations must keep pace across the spectrum of its activities – peace, development, human rights, the rule of law, the empowerment of the world’s women and youth.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Today, 67 years ago, the United Nations Charter was ratified and, with this document, the United Nations was born. There is no doubt how significant this establishment has been and today we should take a minute to reflect on this accomplishment.
As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, the United Nations is the entity in which we as Americans can help in the global fight for human rights, women’s advancement, and peace. It is the one place in the world where all nations can come together and work together. In the final U.S. Presidential Debate, both candidates expressed support for international cooperation. Governor Romney noted: “We need to have strong allies. Our association and connection with our allies is essential to America’s strength.” President Obama stated that working with other nations was essential so that; “We do have to make sure that we’re protecting religious minorities and women because these countries can’t develop unless all the population, not just half of it, is developing. These countries can’t develop if young women are not given the kind of education that they need.”
Showing support for global institutions is (and should be) a bi-partisan issue. We all believe in universal human rights, in working against gender based violence, rule of law, and ensuring peace around the world. Having the United Nations as an entity to fight for these truths has helped us tackle the issues together and cooperatively.
Today let us all celebrate the together the men and women of the world who make the United Nations possible.
