Statement delivered at the national event to mark UN Day 2024

Today, we gather to celebrate United Nations Day, a day that serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility and commitment to peace, development, and human rights. 

As we mark the 79th anniversary of the United Nations, we also reflect on our shared path to promote peace and sustainable development not only in the world, but also in Ghana. I thank the Government of Ghana, and in particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and members of the Ad-hoc Planning Committee, represented by various institutions and organisations, including the United Nations, for putting together this beautiful ceremony in observance of the birth of our organization.

This year's theme, "UN at 79: Working Together for Peace and Sustainable Development in Ghana for Present and Future Generations," reflects our steadfast dedication to the critical objectives of pursuing peace and sustainable development, not just for present generations, but also for young people, marginalized people as well as for generations unborn. 

Over the years, the UN has partnered with the people and government of Ghana to address pressing challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and conflict. Our collaborative efforts have yielded significant progress, though we recognise that much work remains. 

Summit of the Future

The September 2024 Summit of the Future concluded with a revitalized global leadership poised to advance a new international consensus on how to create a better present and secure a brighter future. The Pact for the Future, adopted at the end of the Summit, encompasses a wide array of themes, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, youth involvement, and the needs of future generations, along with the transformation of global governance. With many urgent global challenges confronting us, the Pact for the Future is expected to drive innovations, foster collaborations, and build coalitions with Member States and other stakeholders, as well as help us to address key gaps.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Ladies and Gentlemen. The pathway to a successful and sustainable future lies in strengthened collaboration and solidarity. With a few years remaining, only 17 percent of the SDGs are currently on track to be achieved, and the financing gap stands at $4.2 trillion annually. At this rate, the SDGs will not be fully realized by 2030.

To facilitate this, six entry points have been identified for driving SDGs acceleration: Food Systems, Energy access and affordability, Digital transformation, Education, Social protection and Jobs, and Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. 

Food Systems: We must transform our agricultural practices, support local farmers, and promote sustainable food systems that enhance food security while respecting our natural resources.

Energy Access and Affordability: We must invest in renewable energy solutions to ensure that all Ghanaians have access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This transition not only fuels economic growth but also contributes to climate resilience.

Digital Connectivity: The future is undeniably digital. We must bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every citizen, especially the Ghanaian youth, has access to technology and the internet. This will empower them to innovate and participate in the global economy.

Education: We must make every child future-ready by ensuring that every child has access to quality education. An educated population is better equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Jobs and Social Protection: We must create decent jobs and ensure social protection by fostering an economy that provides opportunities for all, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution: We see today the pollution of our water bodies due to irresponsible mining practices. We must prioritize environmental sustainability, protect our biodiversity, and combat pollution. These efforts are essential not just for our planet but for our health and future generations. 

As we focus on these accelerators, we must shift away from siloed approaches and embrace a systems approach that maximizes synergies and addresses trade-offs across the goals and among institutions and stakeholders including the Government, CSOs, the private sector, academia, trade unions, religious bodies, media, youth groups etc. The United Nations has a critical role to ensure a synchronous approach by all actors to drive forward the needed transition. Through our combined efforts, harnessing the skills, expertise, and strengths of the various agencies, funds, and programmes—both residential and non-residential—the UN in Ghana will continue to support the country in achieving its development priorities.

We are here to support Ghana in this transformative journey and stand ready to work with the Government, civil society, the private sector and local communities to make this happen.

Peace during Ghana’s election.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this year's theme resonates deeply as we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the history of this great country - Ghana’s upcoming elections. Ghana must continue to uphold its reputation as a beacon of peace in the sub-region. As we approach the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, we must all remember that peace is the glue that binds this great nation together. It is therefore essential, now more than ever, to reaffirm our commitments to peace and democracy.

The United Nations in Ghana and the National Peace Council are currently embarking on the “IPledgeForPeace” campaign which seeks to encourage Ghanaians to publicly commit to peace by pledging to uphold, maintain and sustain peace before during and after the elections. With this campaign, we reiterate our commitment to peace, and we invite all do the same; pledge for peace and choose peace in your communities, in your political discourse and in your daily endeavours. The UN will continue to work with all stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, the National Peace Council, National Commission for Civic Education, the Political Parties and the media towards ensuring a peaceful and an inclusive electoral process.

For those who will go to the polls, “Let your thumbs be a force for good.” It is only then can we say Ghana has won at the end of the day.

To conclude, let me recognise, once again, the commitment of the people and Government of Ghana to continuously uphold the principles on which the United Nations was build – peace, sustainable development and human right. As we commemorate UN Day today, let us reaffirm the UN’s commitment to safeguard the future of Ghana, and a future that lives up to the name of our indispensable organisation – The United Nations.

Thank you.

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