UN Officials and Diplomats Acclaim Ethiopia’s Enduring Contribution to Multilateralism and Global Cooperation
Addis Ababa, October 28, 2026 (FMC) — United Nations officials, diplomats and development partners have recognized Ethiopia’s longstanding contribution to multilateralism, highlighting Addis Ababa’s role as a center of international diplomacy and calling for renewed global commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights.
The remarks were made during the commemoration of United Nations Day in Addis Ababa, marking the 81st anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force on October 24, 1945.
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, described Ethiopia as a longstanding and reliable partner of the United Nations, expressing appreciation for the government and people’s hospitality and commitment to multilateral cooperation.
He noted that Ethiopia was among the UN’s 51 founding members in 1945 and one of only four African countries to join at the organization’s inception. He also highlighted Addis Ababa’s diplomatic significance as host to the ECA, the UN Country Team, the African Union (AU) and numerous foreign embassies.
Gatete cited Africa Hall, where the Charter of the Organization of African Unity was signed in 1963, as an enduring symbol of Ethiopia’s contribution to African unity and its partnership with the United Nations.
Delivering a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ozonnia Ojielo, underscored the need for collective action in addressing mounting global challenges.
The message highlighted the UN’s work over 81 years in resolving disputes through diplomacy and international law, combating poverty and hunger, promoting human rights, and delivering lifesaving assistance to people affected by conflict, disasters and displacement. It also cited the organization’s efforts in trade, technology, health and gender equality.
Guterres called on member states to reaffirm the principles underpinning the UN Charter, urging them to “choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and solidarity over fear.”
African Union Commission Chairperson’s Spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh emphasized Addis Ababa’s enduring importance as a center of African multilateralism and international cooperation. He also recognized Ethiopia’s contribution to global connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines.
Sheekh stressed that the institutionalized partnership between the AU and the UN remains vital to advancing peace, security and sustainable development across Africa, serving as a cornerstone for aligning the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Representing the Ethiopian government, Director General for International Organizations Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yoseph Kassaye, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter.
He said Ethiopia had contributed to the organization since its founding and continued to champion sovereign equality, collective security and the peaceful settlement of disputes, ENA reported.
The commemoration concluded with renewed calls for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity as foundations for a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable future.