October 24, 2020, marks the 75th Anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter. The UN officially came into being – an institution born out of the ashes of World War II. As we celebrate this important landmark, we are also reminded of the challenges we face in 2020. The world is experiencing one of the most deadly health crises in human history as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic that brought sickness and death globally and exacerbated the vulnerabilities of developing countries, specifically of Small Island Developing States. The COVID-19 has also caused severe economic setbacks and social impacts in communities across the globe. It is a wakeup call to remind us that our world is interconnected and that the virus respects no border. This crisis has exposed how ill prepared we are in tackling COVID-19 and the existential issue of Climate Change. However, it is also an opportunity for the global community to come together for positive and transformational change to build back better and to make our organization fit for purpose.

It is in this context that we join the member states of the UN, on the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations to recognize and reaffirm the value of international cooperation and multilateralism to address the challenges of our time.

As we reflect on the occasion, we are grateful for the support of friends and development partners in our sustainable development aspirations. We are also thankful for the assistance provided to our country to respond to the health crisis, and our national efforts to prepare and contain the spread of the virus.

The Federated States of Micronesia recommits itself to the UN Charter and our organization’s work in the years ahead. Happy United Nations Day.