Minister Dacic at the United Nations Day celebration

In addition to UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Françoise Jacob and Mari Yamashita, Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UN Office in Belgrade, Minister Dacic also addressed the event. His full statement reads as follows:

„Esteemed Madam Jacob, Esteemed Madam Yamashita,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

The importance of the United Nations, the backbone of global multilateral order and platform for dialogue between states on an equal footing, aimed at preserving peace and stability, is greater today than ever. We are faced with an increasing number of conflicts, severe and far-reaching consequences of multidimensional and interconnected crises, social tensions, acts of terrorism, large-scale migration movements, tragic losses and new challenges that have gained in complexity, thus increasing uncertainty for the future and general insecurity. In a time of profound changes, turmoil and increasing interdependence, no one is spared. All parts of the world are struck by the effects of multiple crises. The main task of the United Nations is to preserve world peace and guarantee security. Therefore, with increased efforts, we need to work to identify sustainable solutions.

As we commemorate this day, it is important to remember that, 78 years ago, future generations were given a pledge in the form of the Charter, that the horrors of war would never be repeated. In fulfilling that promise, the Organization and all its members need to act together.

We are proud that, as part of the former Yugoslavia, we were one of the founders of the UN. We advocate peaceful resolution of disputes and crises. In this context, we consider it crucial to strengthen the culture of peace and dialogue, the politics of compromise and the peaceful coexistence of peoples with respect for differences. We believe that, in times of great challenges, an extra effort is needed so that reason prevails over emotions and fear.

On the basis of our long and eventful history, as well as our country's cooperation with the UN, the Republic of Serbia strives to make its contribution, deeply believing in the indispensability of the United Nations, especially when it comes to protecting the rights and interests of countries referred to as small, in terms of their population and economic power.

We are firmly convinced that multilateralism is the best foundation for finding sustainable solutions amid complex geopolitical circumstances, which calls for equal participation of states, respect for diversity and the harmonization of interests of all actors to achieve common goals. Through participation in various activities of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and active efforts within global and regional initiatives, we strive to make our concrete contribution.

My country's priorities in the UN are well-known and consistent, and they above all include the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty, the promotion and preservation of peace and security at the international level, as well as contribution to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. At the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York, in September this year, we also announced the priority areas of action in the period ahead in various fields, starting from agriculture, through education and science, to the fight against climate change.

Environmental protection and the development of science are issues that the Republic of Serbia has recognized as crucial for its further development.

Unless we promote education, there can be no development of science, digitalization or the development of artificial intelligence. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate how proud I am that, at the initiative of the Republic of Serbia, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution "International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, 2024-2033" by consensus in August this year, which will be a platform for further joint activities.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, I would like to affirm that the Republic of Serbia will continue to be a reliable and predictable partner in achieving common goals defined within the framework of the United Nations.

We firmly believe that this is the best path to building a better world for future generations. I am very glad that we have gathered here, in the UN House, which is yet another demonstration of the excellent cooperation we maintain with the UN Team in the Republic of Serbia, and of a continuous support which rests on mutual respect and understanding.

I would like to thank the UN Team for their effort to gather all partners and associates this year again, so that we can send a message of peace and cooperation by marking UN Day here.

I wish you all a happy UN Day!”