Desk News || Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the United Nations must continuously improve and move forward with the times to fulfill the collective aspirations of peace and multilateralism.He said, “If the United Nations wants to realize our common aspirations for peace and multilateral cooperation, it must adapt to the changing global reality. We are in favor of reforming the United Nations — so that it is more dynamic, integrated and able to meet the expectations of all in a changing global situation.”The Principal Advisor said this in a message on the occasion of United Nations Day on October 24. This year, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is being celebrated.He said, “On this significant day, we pledge that Bangladesh will continue to fulfill its responsibility to build a peaceful and stable world envisioned in the United Nations Charter.”Professor Yunus extended greetings on behalf of the people of Bangladesh to the Member States of the United Nations, all UN partners and all concerned parties on the occasion of ‘United Nations Day.’He said, “This day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a world free from fear and want. It is also a time to revive the spirit of multilateral cooperation and consensus of the United Nations.”The UN has significantly expanded its scope of activities and deepened its global engagement over the past eight decades, the Principal Advisor said.He said, “The United Nations has played a leading role in maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, and in sustainable development and human well-being.”Professor Yunus said that since becoming a member of the United Nations in 1974, Bangladesh has established itself as an active, responsible and contributing member state.He said, “With the flag of the culture of peace in hand, Bangladesh has participated in the world’s most risky UN peacekeeping missions and is one of the top contributors among the blue helmet countries.”“Many of our brave peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice to establish peace in the world,” added Professor Yunus.He said that countries of the global south, including Bangladesh, thrive on rules-based multilateralism, whether in the areas of sustainable development, trade or tackling climate change.“However, the worrying thing is that tensions are rising in the world due to unilateral decisions and discriminatory practices in bilateral relations,” he commented.Noting that recent conflicts have plunged the world into deep uncertainty, the Principal Advisor said, “We must acknowledge that multilateral diplomacy is now facing a severe test. Extreme nationalism and indifference to human suffering are destroying the progress achieved in the long struggle of mankind.”He said, “Today, the people of the world are witnessing a live broadcast of a horrific massacre in Gaza.”Professor Yunus said, “We are also witnessing the deprivation and torture of the Rohingya in our own region. This is the result of cultural identity politics. We have sought renewed attention from the international community on this issue.”