Marie in New York types a letter to her friend Shyami in far away Sri Lanka and e-mails it.Ten minutes later, Shyami smiles as she reads her message saying that today (24^th October) is United Nations’ Day!

What is it that brings together persons as far apart as Marie and Shyami?  They both belong to countries which  form part of the Global Organization called the “United Nations’ Organization”(UNO).  Established after World War II, the UNO replaced the defunct “League of Nations”.

The UNO has spawned UNESCO, UNFPA, UNIDO and various other organizations which are worldwide.  Although there is criticism of the UNO especially its peacekeeping operations in some countries, we cannot forget the major role it plays in providing food for the starving and helping in times of national disasters like hurricanes and tsunamis.

“The UNO has brought together people from different countries who are Ambassadors for Peace.  Celebrities like Angelia Jolie are also part of the UN Network.”explained Marie. 

Important documents like the Declaration of Human Rights are also part of the UNO’s Message of bringing democracy to all  and improving the quality of life of the peoples of the world.

“Although there are problems between countries, the UNO is a strong forum bringing together for discussion the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless.  The UNO meets once a year at the General  Assembly in New York and issues are raised.  Everyone wants the goodwill of the member nations of the UNO.  Even rich and powerful countries feel that they are answerable for their actions to the membership of the UNO.”said Shyami.

“The Parliament of Man, the Federation of the World” are the words of an idealistic poet and the UNO or the UNDP(United Nations’ Development Programme)  helps unite humankind.

By Sirohmi