WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Tuesday in recognition of UN Day. Celebrated annually on October 24, UN Day is the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945 and an opportunity to honor the goals and achievements of the United Nations:
“For the past 72 years, the world has come together at the United Nations to reaffirm international norms and values and work through the most pressing, shared challenges facing humanity around the globe. Born out of the desire to avoid another World War, the U.S. led the charge in creating this organization with that hope that it would advance peace and security and foster cooperation between countries of the world. From enforcement of international law and protecting the world’s most vulnerable populations, to cooperating on economic development, social progress, and human rights, the UN is uniquely situated to achieve these important goals and advance U.S. national security interests.
“Today, in the midst of growing conflict, record-breaking humanitarian need, and a seeming vacuum of international leadership it is clear that we need the UN more than ever. Of course, the UN has shortcomings, including anti-Semitic strains and a need to modernize and reform, but every day it works to save and improve millions of lives and it is almost impossible to imagine a world without the UN.
“On UN Day, I congratulate the UN for its indispensable work across the globe and stand with the organization as it works to strengthen peace and security worldwide.”
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