The United Nations and Greek flags flew along-side each other on the Acropolis of Athens today, in honour of United Nations Day celebrated every year on 24 October. Representatives of the United Nations offices based in Greece as well as of the Greek state, gathered to watch the flag raising ceremony by the Presidential Guard Evzones.
The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Mr. Gaetano Leone, Coordinator of UN Environment/MAP, laid a wreath at the site of the monument in his capacity as UN designated official for Greece. Mr. Leone noted the significance of the UN Day observance marking the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 and the continued relevance of the Purposes and Principles which it represents.
On the occasion of the 2017 UN Day, Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a video message with the following statement:
"Our world faces many grave challenges.
Widening conflicts and inequality.
Extreme weather and deadly intolerance.
Security threats – including nuclear weapons.
We have the tools and wealth to overcome these challenges. All we need is the will.
The world’s problems transcend borders.
We have to transcend our differences to transform our future.
When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable and just world.
On United Nations Day, let us, ‘We the Peoples’, make this vision a reality.
Thank you. Shokran. Xie Xie. Merci. Spasibo. Gracias. Obrigado. "
