NEW DELHI / NAIROBI: As the United Nations marked its 80th anniversary on Friday, India reiterated its enduring commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, global peace, and the aspirations of the Global South. Speaking at a commemorative event in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for “reformed multilateralism” that truly reflects contemporary geopolitical realities and gives greater voice to developing nations.
“It is truly a great pleasure to be with you here on this special occasion as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations,” Jaishankar said, addressing diplomats, officials, and students gathered for the celebration. “As a founding member of the UN, I extend warm wishes to all present on United Nations Day. This celebration is not merely symbolic; it is a reaffirmation of our faith in multilateralism and the principles of collective responsibility.”
To commemorate the milestone, Jaishankar launched a postage stamp dedicated to “UN@80,” designed through a nationwide open competition organized by the Department of Sports and the Ministry of Communication on the MyGov portal. The contest received more than 740,000 entries from students of classes 9 to 12 and art colleges across India. “The scale of participation shows the enthusiasm of our youth for global cooperation,” Jaishankar said. “It must have been a difficult job to select the winning entry. But the chosen stamp, unveiled today, beautifully depicts the need for peace in this era of conflict.”
Reflecting on the state of the world, Jaishankar said the global community is passing through some of the most difficult circumstances since the founding of the United Nations, with several major conflicts continuing to take a heavy toll on human lives and destabilizing economies. “The Global South, in particular, has felt this pain even as the more developed world has often insulated itself from consequences,” he said. “On this 80th anniversary, I reiterate India’s firm commitment to the ideals of peace, security, development, and progress.”
Posting on X, the External Affairs Minister wrote, “Delighted to launch a commemorative postage stamp today in New Delhi to mark the 80th anniversary of UN. The stamp rightly showcases the need for peace in this era of conflict. I highlighted the need for reformed multilateralism reflective of the hopes and aspirations of the Global South, and underlined India’s strong commitment to UN ideals and greater international cooperation.”
At the United Nations Office in Nairobi, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, Adarsh Swaika, represented New Delhi at the anniversary event. The celebration at UNON showcased the UN’s major accomplishments over eight decades, from peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts to environmental protection and sustainable development goals.
“India has always been and will continue to be a strong votary of the UN and multilateralism. India remains committed to the ideals of peace and security as well as development and progress,” the Indian High Commission in Kenya stated in a post shared on X.
United Nations Day, observed annually on October 24, marks the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 and symbolizes the creation of the world’s most prominent multilateral institution. This year’s observance came at a time of growing global uncertainty, marked by escalating conflicts, climate emergencies, and technological disruptions that threaten to upend existing systems of governance and cooperation.
In his message to mark the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded nations of the organization’s founding spirit and collective purpose. “The United Nations is more than an institution. It is a living promise spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations,” he said. “For eighty years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty and hunger, advance human rights, and build a more sustainable world – together. This is no time for timidity or retreat. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.”
India’s participation in the global celebrations went beyond a ceremonial tribute. Through simultaneous events in New Delhi and Nairobi, New Delhi reaffirmed its identity as a bridge between developed and developing nations and as a leading advocate for a fairer, more inclusive global order. Dr. Jaishankar’s call for “reformed multilateralism” echoed India’s consistent demand for restructuring institutions such as the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to ensure equitable representation for emerging economies.
As the United Nations steps into its ninth decade, India’s message was both timely and assertive reform is not resistance to tradition but renewal for relevance. In reaffirming its commitment to the UN’s ideals, India positioned itself as a steadfast partner in shaping a future where peace, equity, and cooperation define global governance.
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui | Follow on X @shahidsiddiqui
