The United Nations at Eighty: Building Our Shared Future
‘As the United Nations marks eighty years of service to humanity, Kuwait’s unwavering engagement reinforces a timeless truth: that the journey toward peace and development is one shared by all, and that through unity and purpose, nations—large and small—can build a world where justice prevails and hope endures.’
By Sheikha Suhaila Fahad Al-Sabah
Managing Editor
The twenty-fourth of October each year marks a significant day in human history. It is the day the Charter of the United Nations entered into force in 1945, heralding a new era of international cooperation after two devastating World Wars. This day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the journey of an organization that, since its inception, has been a symbol of unity and hope, a platform for defending human dignity, and a comprehensive framework embodying the will of peoples to build a world of peace, justice, and equality.
For eight decades, the international organization has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security, promoting human rights, and establishing the concept of sustainable development as the optimal path to the advancement of societies. Through its programs and initiatives, it has contributed to improving the lives of millions across continents, providing access to education and healthcare, extending a helping hand to peoples affected by disasters and conflicts, and demonstrating that collective action is the only way to confront challenges that transcend national borders.
As it reaches its 80th year, the United Nations finds itself facing a world changing at an astonishing pace, with political, economic, social, and environmental transformations accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, it is working to renew the foundations of international cooperation through ambitious visions and initiatives aimed at consolidating multilateralism and promoting justice, development, and peace, ensuring its continued ability to meet the needs of people in the 21st century.
United Nations Day carries a profound symbolic significance that transcends mere protocol. It is a constant reminder that humanity, in all its diversity of cultures, religions, and interests, shares a common destiny, and that the challenges facing the world today—from climate crises, poverty, and food security to armed conflicts and environmental degradation—cannot be addressed by any single nation alone. Genuine international cooperation based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and common interest is essential.
The 80th anniversary of the organization’s founding represents a moment for reflection and review. The international community must reconsider its mechanisms for joint action and develop its tools to be more responsive to current changes. It must also strive to reform its institutions to achieve greater fairness in the representation of nations and ensure everyone’s participation in global decision-making.
The world today stands at a crossroads, and a collective will is essential to uphold the spirit of the UN Charter, which was founded on the belief in human dignity and the right to live in freedom, security, and peace. In this context, the importance of adhering to the principles born from the crucible of human experience is reaffirmed. These principles have demonstrated that peace can only be built on justice, that development can only flourish in an environment of cooperation and understanding, and that human rights remain the cornerstone of any society striving for progress.
From this perspective, this year’s call to action ‘Building Our Future Together’, aims to unite efforts towards a brighter future that achieves a balance between development, dignity, and the environment. This day, in its essence, reflects the aspirations of peoples for a more equitable and transparent international order, for institutions better equipped to protect the vulnerable and uphold human dignity, and for cooperation based on partnership, not domination, and on dialogue, not conflict. It is also an occasion to renew our commitment to our shared responsibility towards planet Earth, which today faces the most serious challenges in its modern history, from accelerating climate change to the scarcity of natural resources and the widening economic gap between nations.
Celebrating United Nations Day is not merely a historical commemoration; it is a reaffirmation that humanity’s journey towards peace and development continues, and that hope for a more just and secure world remains undiminished, no matter how severe the crises. It is a day that reminds us that human solidarity is the only way to confront the crises plaguing the world, and that the future can only be built through collective action for the sake of future generations, who deserve to inherit a planet of harmony and sustainability. Thus, this global occasion remains a renewed call to revive the spirit of the UN Charter, consolidate the values of international cooperation, and reaffirm the belief that what unites humanity is greater than what divides it, and that building a shared future is the responsibility of everyone without exception, in a world that expands with peace, rises with justice, and flourishes with hope.
In this context, the State of Kuwait plays a leading and distinguished role as a member of the United Nations in promoting the values of international cooperation and actively participating in humanitarian and development endeavors. It represents a committed partner in global efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, and sustainable development. Kuwait has been keen to consolidate the principles of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations, and has provided continuous support for initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of those in need and those affected by conflicts and disasters, making it a model of ethical and humanitarian commitment on the international stage.
Its contribution is evident in many vital areas, as it has not been limited to providing financial support and humanitarian aid, but has also included active participation in developing policies and plans that serve sustainable development, promote human rights, and work to protect the most vulnerable groups in societies. Kuwait has also contributed to promoting social inclusion, empowering youth and women, combating corruption, and mitigating disasters, in addition to working to combat organized crime and human trafficking. This reflects its deep understanding that global stability requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to all humanitarian, social, and economic issues.
Alongside its humanitarian role, Kuwait continues to support peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It is keen to offer constructive visions for enhancing regional and international stability, maintains its commitment to the principles of international law and human rights, and works to strengthen multilateral cooperation to promote justice and equality among nations. These efforts reflect Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to building a safer, more just, and more sustainable world. This is not merely a slogan, but a practical responsibility requiring continuous action and close coordination with the international community.
At the level of major initiatives, Kuwait strives to host and promote events and programs that highlight humanitarian and development issues, encourage the exchange of expertise, and strengthen cooperation among various countries and institutions. This contributes to developing practical solutions to global challenges and underscores Kuwait’s pivotal role as a bridge for understanding and solidarity among peoples.
Kuwait’s ongoing contribution to this endeavor makes it a living example of small nations’ commitment to upholding fundamental human values. It demonstrates that sincere will and dedicated action can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions, reinforcing its position as a trusted strategic partner in the pursuit of a peaceful world. Its global message remains one of enduring hope, addressing every new challenge and supporting all those striving to build a shared future characterized by security, prosperity, and human dignity.
