[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9198--OCT. 23, 2014

Proclamation 9198 of October 23, 2014

United Nations Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In 1945, in the shadow of a world war and the face of an uncertain
future, 51 founding nations joined in common purpose to establish the
United Nations and codify its mission to maintain international peace
and security, encourage global cooperation, and promote universal
respect for human rights. Nearly seven decades later, we once again find
ourselves at a pivotal moment in history--a crossroads between conflict
and peace, disorder and integration, hatred and dignity--dealing with
new challenges that require a united response. As we confront these
global problems in an increasingly interconnected world, the United
Nations remains as necessary and vital as ever. On United Nations Day,
we recognize the important role the United Nations continues to play in
the international system, and we reaffirm our country's commitment to
work with all nations to build a world that is more just, more peaceful,
and more free.
The United Nations fosters international cooperation and enables
progress on the world's most immediate threats and critical long-term
challenges. From addressing climate change and eradicating poverty to
preventing armed conflict and halting the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction, the work of the United Nations supports our shared
pursuit of a better world. In this spirit of mutual interest and mutual
respect, the international community must continue to find common ground
in the face of threats to the prosperity and security of all our
nations.
Across the globe, United Nations personnel put their lives on the line
to give meaning and action to the simple truths enshrined in the United
Nations Charter. Today, U.N. humanitarian staff are providing lifesaving
relief to those trapped by conflict; U.N. peacekeepers are protecting
civilians against threats from extremists and other violent groups; and
U.N. health workers are helping to bring Ebola under control in West
Africa and deliver critical medicines to people around the

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world. Their dedication, hard work, and sacrifice reflect the promise of
the United Nations and the best of the human spirit.
On this day, let us resolve to strengthen and renew the United Nations.
Let us choose hope over fear, collaboration over division, and humanity
over brutality, as we work together to build a tomorrow marked by
progress rather than suffering. Our diplomacy can build the foundation
for peace and our cooperation can be the catalyst for growth. By
harnessing the power of the United Nations, we can build a more peaceful
and more prosperous future for all our children and grandchildren.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2014, as
United Nations Day. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, and the
officials of all other areas under the flag of the United States, to
observe United Nations Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA