ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Xinhua) — The United Nations flag-raising ceremony was conducted yesterday on the premises of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa to commemorate its 70th anniversary.

The ceremony took place in the presence of senior Ethiopian Government officials, diplomats and officials of UN organs based in Addis Ababa as well as UN staff members and other dignitaries.

Conveying the message of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, on the occasion, George Okutho, UN resident co-ordinator in Ethiopia, said seven decades after its founding the UN remains a beacon for all humanity.

Every day, the UN feeds the hungry and shelters those driven from their homes; the UN vaccinates children, he said, adding the UN works for the entire human family of seven billion people, and cares for the earth.

“The 70th anniversary is a moment to recognise their dedication, and to honour the many who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” he said.

Recalling that Ethiopia was among the UN founding member countries, Taye Atseke-Selassie, Ethiopian state minister of foreign affairs, said the UN, over the decades and across the world, has done a commendable job of promoting development, providing humanitarian aid, advancing human rights and conducting peace operations.

“We also celebrate the UN Day because it provides a unique forum for all its member states, large and small, powerful and weak with their different histories, cultures and traditions to come together and discuss and deliberate on matters of common interest,” he said.

Carlos Lopes, executive secretary of UNECA, said the anniversary celebration is an important one as the world marks the adoption of Agenda 2030, an inspiring agenda for ensuring a sustainable future.

Africa has had an edge in influencing the overall efforts of the post-2015 Agenda, leading global efforts by building consensus on Africa’s development priorities, noted Lopes.

Stating that Africa has achievements to celebrate in the concluded millennium development goals (MDGs), Lopes called for collaborative action towards a more prosperous and integrated Africa.

“As we begin the next phase of our journey towards a sustainable path, we must intensify our efforts to ensure that no African is left behind. It remains our collective responsibility to continue to put Africa first in our collaborative actions towards a more prosperous and integrated continent,” said Lopes.