UN Week – 75th anniversary of the United Nations
23.10.2020
The MFA organized a series of expert panels as well as an informational and promotional campaign under the slogan “UN Week” to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Organization.
“The purpose of the UN's coming into existence after the tragic experience of the Second World War was to prevent another global conflict. Even though the UN's efficiency is often contested, one must admit that the Organization has lived up to its founders’ expectations,” noted Minister Rau in his summary of this week’s virtual debates on the key aspects of UN operations.
Saturday, October 24, 2020, will see the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. On this occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the United Nations Association Poland, launched UN Week, a series of virtual debates where diplomats, academics and practitioners discussed the UN’s priority areas of operation and the Polish presence therein.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau inaugurated today’s panel, “What kind of Poland in what kind of UN?” He also summarised the events of UN Week, which focused on the Organization’s main areas of interest – human rights, peace and security, and development. Poland's top diplomat also highlighted the specific role that our youth and their increased engagement in UN activities play.
Referring to the historic moment of the UN’s 75th anniversary, Minister Rau underscored in his speech that, “UN’s activities are hardly measurable and difficult to assess. Yet, in my opinion, the United Nations' positive contribution is unquestionable and no real alternative exists for this organization.”
Referring to Poland’s commitment, the Foreign Minister recalled our recent Security Council membership and Polish soldiers’ return to service under UN peacekeeping missions in 2019. He also drew the listeners’ attention to Poland’s activities aimed at protecting human rights, with a special focus on the most disadvantaged groups – children and the disabled – and the protection of freedom of religion and belief, which are the priorities of Poland’s current UN Human Rights Council membership.
One of the panelists was Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk, who spoke about UN tasks that are of vital importance for Poland, priority activities and the Organization’s reforms.
The recorded discussions and speeches of UN Week are available (in Polish only) here.