NEW YORK, USA — The 1962 admission of Jamaica as the 106th member of the United Nations (UN) was observed during a special ceremony held at the headquarters of the world body here Tuesday.

Speaking at the function, Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Raymond Wolfe said that "much has changed since Jamaica was admitted to the organisation 50 years ago".

He said that at the time of Jamaica's admission, "the international community faced the East/West dichotomy of the Cold War while the UN agenda was dominated by issues such as decolonisation and the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons".

Today's UN agenda, said Wolfe, "is reflective of the multifaceted challenges of the time, including climate change, food security, global pandemics, and the global economic and financial crisis. He argued that the domino effect of these challenges around the globe demonstrates the need for a coherent and collective response by the international community.

The ambassador praised those envoys, such as Sir Egerton Richardson and Don Mills, among others, who previously served as the country's permanent representative to the UN, for their work on behalf of Jamaica.

He also expressed gratitude to the 14 countries that sponsored UN Resolution 1750 which led to Jamaica's admission to membership in the UN.

Tuesday also marked the opening of 67th session of the UN General Assembly, with Serbia's Ambassador Vuk Jermic, who addressed the function and unveiled the Jamaican flag, taking over the presidency of the General Assembly.

He said that there are many similarities between Jamaica and his country, especially in sports.

The Jamaica Observer understands that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is to address the UN General Assembly next week.