STATEMENT BY THE UNITED NATIONS IN MALAWI ON THE OCCASION OF UNITED NATIONS DAY 2025

24 October 2025 – Lilongwe

‘’When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion” – An African Proverb

As the United Nations marks 80 years of collective action for peace, development, and human rights, UN Malawi joins the global community in commemorating this milestone under the theme “Building Our Future Together.”

For eight decades, the United Nations has stood as a living promise, one that transcends borders and unites people in the pursuit of dignity, equality and shared prosperity. Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone.

Here in Malawi, this same spirit of partnership has guided over sixty years of collaboration between the UN, the Government, the people of Malawi and development partners, a collaboration anchored in solidarity, trust, and a common vision of a better future for all people in Malawi. Over the years, the United Nations has worked hand in hand with Malawi to advance progress in key areas of national development: expanding access to quality education and health services, promoting good governance and peace, improving food security, and building resilience to climate shocks. For example, through initiatives such as the National Registration and Identification System, supported by the UN, millions of Malawians have gained access to essential services and opportunities, a foundation for inclusion, accountability, and empowerment.

As Malawi continues to pursue the ambitions of Malawi 2063, the United Nations remains a committed partner, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024–2028). Together with the Government and development partners, the UN is supporting national efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on sustaining peace, youth empowerment, gender equality, climate action and digital transformation as drivers of inclusive growth and resilience.

This year’s UN Day serves as a reminder that Malawi’s future lies in the hands of its people. Particularly its youth, whose energy, creativity and innovation continue to shape the nation’s development journey.

The September general elections and peaceful transition is a clear demonstration of what Malawians can achieve when they lead and stand together. Across communities, young Malawians are leading climate initiatives, building social enterprises, and driving digital solutions that make a difference. The United Nations celebrates and stands with them, as they embody the spirit of “building our future together.”

As the world reflects on 80 years of multilateralism, we draw inspiration from the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reminds us:

“The United Nations is more than an institution. it is a living promise. For eighty years, we have worked to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world together. On this UN Day, let us stand united and show what is possible when ‘we the peoples’ act as one.”

As we commemorate this UN Day, UN Malawi reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working hand in hand with the Government, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the people of Malawi to build a future that is inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable.

Together, we can, and we must, build our shared future.