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Commemorating the collective pledge to work for global peace and progress on UN Day 24 October 2014 (en)

24 octobre 2014
ITC Nouvelles

‘On United Nations Day, we honour our collective pledge, in 1947, to work together for peace, human dignity, and the economic and social advancement of all peoples.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), an agency of the UN and the World Trade Organization, works to promote equitable economic growth and sustainable development by enabling the business sector in developing countries to seize the opportunities presented by the open global economy. Our technical assistance, much of which goes to small and medium-sized enterprises, serves to help firms use trade to drive job creation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

As we commemorate UN Day this 24 October, the news headlines are dominated by conflict, disease, and economic uncertainty. But we must not let this obscure the world's remarkable developmental successes.

Decades of international economic integration, backed by the Millennium Development Goals since 2000, have underpinned the fastest poverty reduction in history. We have an opportunity to build on this progress and the eradication of extreme poverty – an unimaginable dream not long ago – is now a realistic goal for the post-2015 development agenda taking shape at the UN.

Well into its seventh decade, the UN remains a unifying force for justice, stability, and humanitarian relief. As part of this UN family, the ITC shares the commitment to empowering the weak and vulnerable. We do this by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into value chains for goods and services. The more they contribute to productive employment and improved living standards, the more we collectively support development for future generations.’

Arancha González, Executive Director, International Trade Centre