Message from Ms Michaela Friberg-Storey
Representative of the UN Secretary General and UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand
on the Occasion of United Nations Day 2025, Friday, 24 October —
Celebrating 80 Years of the UN
This year marks a historic milestone — 80 years since the founding of the United Nations, an institution born from the conviction that peace, dignity and prosperity are only possible through cooperation among nations.
The words, “We the peoples of the United Nations”, are not only the opening of our Charter — they define who we are. The United Nations is more than an institution; it is a living promise that spans borders, bridges continents and inspires generations. For eight decades, we have worked together to forge peace, fight poverty and hunger, uphold human rights and build a more sustainable world.
Here in Thailand, that promise is tangible. It lives in communities restoring forests and coastlines, in young innovators creating sustainable solutions and in the country’s long-standing commitment to partnership, moderation and balance. Thailand has consistently shown that national values — including the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy — can guide global progress toward sustainability and resilience.
Thailand’s contributions to the United Nations extend far beyond its borders. For decades, Thai peacekeepers have served in UN missions worldwide, standing for peace and protecting civilians in some of the world’s most fragile contexts. The country’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, human rights and gender equality reflects a deep belief in shared responsibility for global peace and development. This has been evident ever since the country joined the UN in December 1946.
Since then, Bangkok has developed to be one of the world’s great multilateral capitals — home to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and many regional offices of UN entities. Together, these institutions make Thailand a vital hub for international cooperation, connecting the global UN system with the people and priorities of the Asia-Pacific region.
At the national level, the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations continue to work hand in hand through the UN Cooperation Framework to advance action across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. I am proud to lead 21 UN entities that, while diverse in mandate, work as one UN family — supporting inclusive growth, climate resilience, digital transformation and gender equality. Together, we are assisting communities adapt to change, supporting vulnerable groups and driving innovation for a more sustainable future.
But none of this work is possible without partnerships. Partnerships are the foundation of progress — with governments, academia, civil society, youth and the private sector all contributing their expertise, energy and vision. It is through this collective effort that we move closer to a Thailand — and a world — where everyone can thrive.
As we celebrate this 80th anniversary, we also look forward. The Pact for the Future, adopted by world leaders last year, provides a renewed vision of multilateralism — one that is more inclusive, effective and better equipped to meet the challenges of our time. It calls on us to act with solidarity, compassion and courage.
On this United Nations Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Royal Thai Government, to our Member States and to all our partners who continue to believe in the power of dialogue and cooperation. The story of the UN — like that of Thailand — is one of perseverance, partnership and faith in our shared humanity.
As we mark 80 years of the United Nations, let us renew that promise together — to build bridges of trust, accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that future generations inherit a healthy planet of peace, opportunity, and hope.
Happy United Nations Day!
