Statement on the 71st Anniversary of the United Nations
Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the 71st Anniversary of the United Nations
Today, 24th October 2016, marks the 71st year since the founding of the United Nations.
On this occasion, it provides the opportunity to reaffirm the goals and values of the United Nations, and the principles on which it was established.
The United Nations is as relevant today as it was 71 years ago – it continues to lead the way in advocacy for democracy, peace, stability, protection of human rights, inclusive of the elimination of discrimination against women, and dignity for all. In similar manner, the UN, and its numerous staff members serving in the field, provides hope for millions of persons globally facing poverty and hunger. Although there is much work to be done, many achievements have been made in the alleviation of hunger and poverty, elimination of diseases, education and literacy, environmental protection and other development challenges.
The Bahamas has benefited as a member state of the United Nations since 1973. This was most recently seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, when the United Nations was quick to respond and to assist with mobilizing donor support.
Climate change presents an existential challenge for many developing countries, in particular small countries, and it is through the United Nations that we find hope in arriving at a viable solution to combat this threat.
The Bahamas salutes the United Nations on its 71st Anniversary, and reaffirms it support to the organization.