Celebrating United Nations Day: Here’s How You Can Help Make a Difference

Seventy-one years ago, the world came together after two world wars to move forward and strengthen international cooperation, creating a better, more connected world.

Today, we reflect on the progress we’ve made since then to promote international peace and prosperity and celebrate the work we’ve done to address some of the most important issues of our time. Read the President’s UN Day Proclamation.

"We are called upon to offer a different type of leadership -- leadership strong enough to recognize that nations share common interests and people share a common humanity, and, yes, there are certain ideas and principles that are universal. That's what those who shaped the United Nations 70 years ago understood. Let us carry forward that faith into the future -- for it is the only way we can assure that future will be brighter for my children, and for yours."

President Obama at UNGA, 9/28/15

Advancing sustainable development goals

Last year, President Obama joined world leaders to adopt a list of global goals that set out the vision and priorities of the next 15 years. Take a look:

Together, these 17 goals outline a path towards ending poverty, reducing inequalities, tackling climate change, and shaping a better world for the generations to come. Through the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the United States joins with countries around the world in ensuring that no one is left behind by ending extreme poverty and prioritizing policies and investments that have long-term, transformative and sustainable impact.

Under the Obama administration, the United States has been a global leader in achieving these goals. From taking historic global action to combat climate change through the historic Paris Agreement, supporting the right to an education and opening doors for girls around the world through initiatives such as Let Girls Learn, to working to end poverty and promote global health, food security, open government, and more: the United States has responded to this shared responsibility to help lift people up and support a more sustainable future. 

“I have learned that our identities do not have to be defined by putting someone else down, but can be enhanced by lifting somebody else up.”

President Obama at UNGA, 9/20/16

Here’s how you can get involved

Working to implement these goals and create a brighter tomorrow is something we all play a role in. It's the small steps and changes that you can make in your life or in your community that help move us forward. That is why this the UN has made it easier to get involved than ever before.

Visit the new SDGs in Action app to learn more about the 17 goals, choose what goals matter to you, and find out how you can join in and help make a difference in your community today.

Jazmin Kay is an intern in the Office of Digital Strategy.