77th UN Day statement by the UN Resident Coordinator

It is with great honor that I stand before you all today on behalf of the United Nations in Ghana to talk about the importance of this day. This year’s celebration of UN Day is a special one as it earmarks the collaborative launch of a new partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations in Ghana, with what we have just witnessed; the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 – 2025 as a tool for the planning and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana.

Today is the right time to reinforce the partnership between the UN and the Government of Ghana; Today is the opportune time to underscore the need for “Solidarity, Sustainability and Science” per the theme of this year’s UN Day, which is Building on the 3Ss – Solidarity, Sustainability and Science – towards a more resilient Ghana.

The theme I understand was coined from the focus of the 77th United Nations General Assembly on Solidarity, Sustainability and Science, which seeks to emphasize on the necessity for strong solidarity, leveraging on the power of science for sustainable solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  It reflects on the current global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and conflicts around the world, and suggests a three-pronged approach – Solidarity, Sustainability and Science – to address them

One of the central pillars on which the United Nations was established is Solidarity. Today, seventy-seven years down history, the pressing need for solidarity still resonates even stronger. The current global crisis of COVID-19, Climate Change and biodiversity loss, and conflict in Europe and elsewhere in the world have revealed to us the importance of solidarity if we are to find innovative solutions to address these challenges. Working together as one people has proven time and time again that we can achieve more when we are together. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global challenges have unleashed hardship on people across the world and Ghana is not exempted. We worked together to overcome the pandemic and we need to work together today to find lasting solutions to the numerous global challenges.

What we need are tangible solutions that will put us back on track towards a more sustainable future. With every action we take, we need to assess its effectiveness and longevity. We need to plan for the future and not just for the present. We are all in for the long run hence we need to make sure our actions to meet our needs do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Science is the future. We need to invest in science and technology for the advancement and development of humanity. We need to create a facilitating environment for innovative thinkers and inventors to realize their full potential for the betterment of our lives. We need to empower women in the STEM fields to take up more challenges and achieve their set goals sturdily.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We all saw how the science more or less saved our world during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The whole world literally had to rely on science to create a vaccine to defeat the virus. The influx of the pandemic also led to the reliance of the world on technology for some vital economic industries to remain operable. Most of us here during that period had to work from home with our devices and the internet in order to still make a living. I assume it is evident now to us all that without science, development and the advancement of mankind is practically impossible. With science we were able to glimpse into a world that we thought was impossible. I urge the Government of Ghana, all leaders and stakeholders to invest in science and technology to help bridge the development gap between and within countries, regions and areas. Our efforts to tackle global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the digital revolution have provided us with convincing proof of the role science can play in shaping decisions on complex issues. We in the UN are keen to support the digital transformation agenda as we implement a number of initiatives in support of the national digital agenda across various areas.

If we are to transform our world by 2030 as envisaged by the SDGs, then we must give the global challenges the attention they deserve. We must respond decisively, with conviction, imagination and in solidarity to transform our world. All three ingredients – Solidarity, Sustainability and Science – are essential as we address shared challenges and develop solutions for a better, more peaceful future.

At this time, let me share with you the UN Secretary-General’s message in observance of the 77th UN Day:

The United Nations is the product of hope.

The hope — and resolve — following the Second World War to move beyond global conflict to global cooperation.

Today, our organization is being tested like never before.

But the United Nations was made for moments like this.

Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world.

By giving peace a chance and ending conflicts that jeopardize lives, futures and global progress.

By working to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, and rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.

By safeguarding our planet, including by breaking our addiction to fossil fuels and kickstarting the renewable energy revolution.

And by finally balancing the scales of opportunity and freedom for women and girls and ensure human rights for all.

As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity.

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Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

With the combined effort of over 30 UN agencies, funds and programmes, the UN in Ghana will continue to support Ghana’s ambition to becoming a self-reliant country. The #UNinGhana will provide agile, adaptive and responsive approaches through enhanced, strong and expanded partnerships with civil society and private sector, development partners and the Government of Ghana to deliver and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

Thank you.