"This is a unique moment in world affairs. Multiple crises -- food, fuel, financial, flu -- are hitting at once. Climate change looms larger every day. Each illustrates a 21st-century truth: we share one planet, one home. As people, as nations, as a species, we sink or swim together," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in his message on the occasion of United Nations Day, which is marked on 24 October every year.

The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.

ICTP, which is supported by two UN agencies -- UNESCO and the IAEA -- as well as the Italian government, reflects UN ideals through its objectives and activities. In particular, the Centre's goal to provide physics and mathematics training to scientists from developing countries directly contributes to the UN's Millennium Development Goals. The eight Goals form a blueprint agreed to by all the world’s countries and leading development institutions and are aimed at improving the lives of the world's poorest people.

The Secretary-General's recorded message is available online.