Diplomats Praise Ethiopia's Global Role, Call for Renewed Commitment to Peace

Addis Ababa, October 27, 2026 (ENA)— Diplomats, United Nations officials and development partners gathered in Addis Ababa to mark United Nations Day, praising Ethiopia's longstanding contribution to multilateralism and calling for renewed global commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights.

Observed annually on October 24, United Nations Day commemorates the 1945 entry into force of the UN Charter, the founding document that established the framework for international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The commemoration underscored Ethiopia's historic role within the United Nations and reaffirmed Addis Ababa's position as one of the world's leading diplomatic capitals.

Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, described Ethiopia as a "longstanding and reliable partner" of the United Nations.

"Here in Addis Ababa, the United Nations family has long found such a partner in the government and people of Ethiopia," Gatete said. "I wish to express our sincere appreciation for their hospitality and their steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation."

He noted that Ethiopia was among the 51 founding members of the United Nations in 1945 and one of only four African countries to join the organization at its inception.

Gatete also highlighted Addis Ababa's unique diplomatic significance as home to the ECA, the UN Country Team, the African Union and numerous foreign embassies.

Reflecting on Africa Hall, where the Charter of the Organization of African Unity was signed in 1963, he described the landmark as an enduring symbol of Ethiopia's contribution to African unity and its partnership with the United Nations.

Delivering a message on behalf of UN Secretary General António Guterres, UN Assistant Secretary General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ozonnia Ojielo, stressed the need for collective action at a time of growing global challenges.

The Secretary General's message said United Nations Day celebrates not only an institution but also the principle that humanity's future depends on working together to advance peace, development and human rights.

"For 81 years, the United Nations has given life to that idea," Guterres said in the message.

The message highlighted the organization's role in resolving disputes through diplomacy and international law, combating poverty and hunger, advancing human rights and delivering lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters and displacement.

It also pointed to the UN's work in trade, technology, health and gender equality, including efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls.

Guterres urged member states to reaffirm their commitment to the organization's founding principles.

"Choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and solidarity over fear," the message stated.

African Union Commission Chairperson's Spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh emphasized Addis Ababa's enduring importance as the capital of African multilateralism and international cooperation.

He also recognized Ethiopia's contribution to global connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines.

"You can fly basically into the entire world from Addis Ababa, and we appreciate this contribution that this great country has made to travel and connectivity," Sheekh said.

He said the institutionalized partnership between the African Union and the United Nations remains vital for advancing peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.

"This strategic partnership serves as the cornerstone for advancing the synergies between the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063," he noted.

Representing the Ethiopian government, Director General for International Organizations Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, reaffirmed Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to multilateralism.

"Ethiopia, as a founding member of the United Nations and a staunch supporter of multilateralism, has made important contributions on various fronts since the earliest days of the organization," Yoseph said. "We have consistently championed the principles of sovereign equality and collective security."

He reiterated Ethiopia's support for the core principles of the UN Charter, including state sovereignty, the peaceful settlement of disputes and collective security.

The annual observance of United Nations Day concluded with renewed calls for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity as the foundation for building a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future.