United Nations Jamaica 76th Anniversary

It is my pleasure to extend warmest congratulations to the United Nations, in particular the UN Country Team here in Jamaica, as the Organisation commemorates its 76 th year of existence. Although our celebrations take place against the backdrop of a persistent and unrelenting pandemic that has aggravated longstanding challenges and created new ones, we can continue to rely on the United Nations’ steady guidance and support. As it did decades ago, the Institution provides an essential and necessary platform for meaningful, collective action. It is fitting, therefore, that we are marking this anniversary under the theme, “Partnerships for Peace, Planet and Prosperity.” The United Nations can be proud of its contribution to the socio-economic advancement of communities across the globe, especially in developing countries like Jamaica. Indeed, our growth and development have been a function of the very solid partnership that we have sustained with the United Nations and its Specialised Agencies. We are pleased that this relationship has manifested itself through the very tangible presence of the Organisation on the ground. With your assistance, we have been able to promote the education, well- being and development of our people. This could not have been realised without your shared commitment and determination to advance our national development priorities. Your work, therefore, is not only valued but deeply appreciated by the Government and people of Jamaica. We know first- hand the benefit of this partnership and look forward to its deepening in the years to come. Together, we can ensure that we bequeath to this and succeeding generations a legacy of which we can all be proud. The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KStJ Governor-General of Jamaica Seventy-six years ago, representatives from fifty (50) countries gathered in San Francisco with the resolve and determination to establish an organization that would facilitate dialogue and cooperation among its membership. At the core, was the desire to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, as well as to advance social progress and better standards of living for the peoples of the world. They were successful in their efforts and on 24 th October 1945, the United Nations was established. Despite the challenges and threats that the world has encountered, and with which it continues to grapple, the role and mandate of the United Nations remain as relevant now as they were in 1945. For many of us, the United Nations has been the citadel for the creation of international norms and legal frameworks that have underpinned the principles of multilateralism that characterize the Organization. It has been an important medium for us to engage as equals on issues that impact the well- being and existence of our citizens. The pursuit of disarmament and human rights, in tandem with a development agenda that benefits all, has made the United Nations a steadfast partner and critical facilitator for many developing countries. No other institution can boast this legacy or claim this distinction. Without question, the growth in its membership from 51 founding members to 193 countries in 2021, attests to the strong belief in the United Nation’s continued applicability and strength of purpose. It is for these reasons, that the Institution will be critical to the recovery efforts in the post COVID-19 era, and of course to the mission of building forward stronger. In this regard, there is no question that the UN Country Team will be pivotal to this collective endeavour. I, therefore, welcome the opportunity to deepen our partnership with the Team, with whom we already have a longstanding relationship. We thank you for your invaluable service, and commit to the continued partnership, to promote equity, prosperity and justice for all. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica Shared commitment to national development priorities UN critical to recovery efforts and building forward stronger Our growth and development have been a function of the very solid partnership that we have sustained with the United Nations and its Specialised Agencies. The United Nations has been the citadel for the creation of international norms and legal frameworks that have underpinned the principles of multilateralism that characterize the Organization. MESSAGES THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN JAMAICA 2