United Nations Day, 2010

Proclamation 8589 of October 22, 2010

United Nations Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Sixty-five years ago, 51 nations came together in the
aftermath of one of history's most devastating wars to
rededicate themselves to peace, justice, and progress.
The founders of the United Nations vowed to work
together to ensure that the horrors seen in World War
II would never be repeated. On United Nations Day, we
join our friends around the world in reflecting on our
shared interests and renewing our commitment to
international law, common security, accountability, and
prosperity for all peoples.

The United Nations has made great advances since it
first developed out of ruin and genocide, and, today,
this partnership includes 192 member states. Throughout
its journey to live up to its founding values, it has
remained an indispensable vehicle for coordinated
action to tackle global problems. In a time when we
face challenges such as nuclear proliferation, climate
change, transnational terrorism, food security risks,
and pandemic disease, we must work as one to build the
kind of world we want to see in the 21st century.

This vital international body provides a forum and
framework for leaders to come together to advance our
shared ideals. Through its broad range of peace
operations, it helps limit and resolve conflicts that
could otherwise threaten the security of individuals
and the stability of nations. The United Nations'
humanitarian assistance lifts up countless lives,
supporting nations in meeting the most immediate human
needs and in building their own capabilities. Its
history of rushing assistance to disaster victims was
reflected this year in its response to the devastating
earthquake in Haiti, which also claimed the lives of
many United Nations officers. And, through its health,
education, and development programs, the United Nations
is helping empower the next generation of world
leaders. Although difficulties remain, the dialogue
fostered and actions taken by the United Nations will
continue to strengthen the foundations of freedom
across the globe.

Though the future we envision for all the world's
children may not come easily, the founding of the
United Nations itself is a testament to human progress.
Let us continue to be guided by its founders' soaring
example, and move through the conflicts and divisions
of our time to a day when people from every part of
this world can live together in peace.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2010, as
United Nations Day. I urge the Governors of the 50
States, and the officials of all other areas under the
flag of the United States, to observe United Nations
Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-second day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.