The moment of silence was held during the official ceremony to commemorate UN Day, observed annually on 24 October, marking the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter. 

The ‘epicenter’ of global unity 

Addressing ambassadors from the rostrum, Secretary-General António Guterres underlined the enduring power of that founding document and the importance of multilateralism. 

“At its birth, the United Nations was a symbol of global unity.  Today it is the epicenter,” he said. “Our mission is more important than ever.”  

The UN chief emphasized that it is only through working together that the world can fulfil ambitions such as preventing conflict, promoting sustainable development, upholding human rights and protecting the planet. 

“International cooperation is the only way to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, rising inequality and the spreading of hatred,” he said. 

In line with the times,  the event was held under COVID-19 prevention measures, with participants wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing.