The 79th United Nations (UN) Day was yesterday marked in Accra with a flag raising ceremony and a call on stakeholders to embrace unity and cooperation as the country faces environmental and political challenges.

UN Day is observed annual­ly on October 24, to mark the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945 and the work of the UN in promoting peace and sustainable develop­ment.

Graced with a touch of cultural performance and a parade from the Ghana Navy, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in charge of Political and Economic Matters, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, and the Country Representative of the United Nations Popula­tion Fund (UNFPA), Dr Wilfred Ochan, hoisted the UN and the Ghana flags in affirmation of strong collaboration between the two.

It was on the theme, “Work­ing together towards peace and sustainable development in Ghana for present and future genera­tions”.

In attendance were some personnel of the security services, members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of UN agencies, youth groups and students.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, highlighted the UN’s tireless efforts in bringing relief and hope to millions worldwide affected by disaster.

“Your presence here today signifies a shared responsibility to uphold these values and reflect our collective determination to collaborate towards a brighter and a peaceful future for our nation and for the global community,” he said.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said that there was the need for indi­viduals involved in conflict to seek peaceful solution and settlement in order to promote peace.

He said that conflicts and humanitarian crises continued to pose threats to international peace, security, and sustainable development.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong added that this year’s theme was chosen deliberately to emphasise the vital importance of ensuring that peace prevailed before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, in a speech read on his behalf by the Unit­ed Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan said that the pathway to a successful and sus­tainable future lied in a strength­ened collaboration and solidarity among the citizenry.

He said that with a few years remaining in achieving the Sus­tainable Development Goals by 2030 (SDGs), only 17 per cent of the SDGs were currently on track to be achieved.

This he said, has led to a finan­cial gap of $4.2 trillion annually, hence, the SDGs would not be fully realised by 2030.

To accelerate progress, Mr Abani highlighted the need to transform the country’s agricultur­al practices and promote sustain­able food systems that enhance food security.

He also emphasised the need to create jobs by fostering an econ­omy that provided opportunities for all, particularly for women and marginalised communities.

Touching on this year’s gen­eral elections, Mr Abani said the UN would continue to work with stakeholders including the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Peace Council (NPC), and the media towards ensuring a peaceful and an inclusive electoral process.

“We recognise that peace is a non-negotiable commodity that we ought to collectively prioritise in these crucial times,” he said.