Director-General's remarks at the UN Day Concert 2025

UN Day Concert 2025
Friday, 24 October 2025, at 7.30 p.m.
Victoria Hall, Genève

Monsieur l’Ambassadeur [M. Lauber],
Madame la Présidente [de la Fondation de l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Mme de Senarclens],
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,

C’est un grand plaisir et un honneur de vous retrouver ce soir pour cette traditionnelle célébration de la Journée des Nations Unies. Je remercie chaleureusement l'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande de nous offrir, une fois de plus, une soirée placée sous le signe de magnifiques mélodies.

Je voudrais également remercier la Confédération, le Canton et la Ville de Genève pour leur soutien continu et précieux à l’Organisation des Nations Unies. En ces temps difficiles, il est essentiel de pouvoir compter sur des amis comme vous.

Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Today marks a historic milestone: the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In 1945, the international community gathered to build a better world from the ashes of World War II.  Over the past eight decades, the United Nations has transformed lives, restored futures and renewed hope for billions of people around the world. We have eradicated diseases, educated generations of children, lifted entire nations out of poverty, advocated for human rights, implemented environmental protections, and much more. And, perhaps, the greatest achievement of the United Nations has been precisely what it set out to do in the preamble of its Charter: prevent another world war.

Yet, our world today faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges — from climate change and technological disruption to widening inequality and protracted conflicts. The UN Charter must remain our guiding document – both inspirational and aspirational. The Charter embodies humanity’s shared hopes and values. It represents the very best of what we can be and achieve when we work together.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The UN is 80 years young — and its mission has never been more vital. Multilateralism is under pressure and nations are divided. Yet, we must always remember that what unites us is greater than what separates us.

As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded us today: “This is no time for timidity or retreat. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone. On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of your United Nations. Let’s show the world what is possible when “we the peoples” choose to act as one.”.

Tonight's concert is not only an opportunity to mark United Nations Day, but also a chance to celebrate our shared humanity through the power of music – an art form that bridges gaps and transcends barriers. As music brings us together this evening, let us remind ourselves of what unites us outside these walls: our commitment to multilateralism and our shared belief in a better world.  

Je vous souhaite à toutes et tous de passer une très agréable soirée musicale.

Merci pour votre attention.