United Nations Day 2025: Eight Decades of Hope, Unity, and Action

At the UN House in Thimphu, the UN Country Team gathered to commemorate United Nations Day 2025 with a flag hoisting ceremony, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

The event began with the hoisting of the UN flag, symbolizing unity among nations and the enduring spirit of international cooperation. Mr. Timothy Wilson, Head of Office of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, read the UN Secretary-General’s message, which called on the world to stand together to confront global challenges “of staggering scale — escalating conflicts, climate chaos, runaway technologies, and threats to the very fabric of our institution.” The Secretary-General in his message said:

“Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone... Let’s show the world what is possible when ‘we the peoples’ choose to act as one"

The ceremony also included an oath-taking for new UN staff in Bhutan, marking their formal induction into the UN family. The event concluded with a cake-cutting and a butter lamp lighting ceremony at the Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang in Pangrizampa, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, symbolizing collective prayers for peace and well-being.

As the UN turns 80, this year’s observance serves as a moment of reflection and renewal, a time to look back on the Organization’s achievements in promoting peace and prosperity, and to look ahead to the future envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Pact for the Future, and the UN80 initiative.

In Bhutan, where Gross National Happiness remains the guiding vision of national development, the UN reaffirms its partnership with the Royal Government and the people of Bhutan in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future, leaving no one behind.