WANA (Oct 27) – The ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations was held this morning (Monday, October 27) at the Institute for Political and International Studies of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the attendance of Iranian officials and foreign diplomats. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations Office in Tehran, and it opened with a video message from the UN Secretary-General.

 

At the beginning of the ceremony, a message from Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, was played. In his remarks, he emphasized that “We, the peoples of the United Nations” are not merely the opening words of the Charter, but a reflection of a shared identity and commitment. Referring to the achievements of the past eight decades, Guterres said: “Together, we have worked to build peace, fight poverty and hunger, and expand human rights. Yet in a world facing climate chaos, runaway technologies, and new tensions, now is not the time for fear or retreat — it is the time to renew our faith in the promise of the United Nations.”

Baghaei at the UN’s 80th anniversary ceremony. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Baghaei at the UN’s 80th anniversary ceremony. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Following the Secretary-General’s message, Stefan Priesner, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Islamic Republic of Iran, welcomed the participants and highlighted global developments and the role of multilateral institutions. He stated: “The United Nations is facing new realities, including the return of a kind of global bipolarity and growing financial and environmental challenges. Yet these very developments underscore the need for a more active and engaged UN.”

 

Priesner also discussed Iran’s position in international cooperation, noting: “Iran hosts a large community of refugees, which remains one of the key areas of joint collaboration with the UN. Together with the government and people of Iran, we strive to strengthen social and environmental resilience and to advance sustainable development.”

 

Referring to recent global crises, he added: “This year’s UN Day comes right after the recent 12-day war, which tragically claimed many lives. The United Nations has condemned this violence and called for a return to peace and respect for international humanitarian law. We stand by the victims and continue working to support affected communities.”

Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iran. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iran. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Reviewing decades of cooperation between Iran and the United Nations, Priesner noted: “The UN has been present in Iran since 1950, and our partnership has extended across areas such as environmental protection, drug control, disaster risk reduction, and economic resilience. This shared framework for sustainable development symbolizes the historic and constructive cooperation between Tehran and the United Nations.”

 

At the end of the event, participants were invited to visit a joint exhibition showcasing Iran–UN cooperation, held on the upper floor of the institute. The exhibition displays the shared achievements of bot