UN 80 & UNA 50 Celebrations

Mauritius Renews Its Commitment to the United Nations’ Ideals for a More Peaceful World

Mauritius has reaffirmed its dedication to the values and principles of the United Nations (UN), pledging to continue working with all nations to build a world that is peaceful, just, and sustainable — one that truly leaves no one behind.

Speaking at a commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Association (UNA) of Mauritius), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful, underlined Mauritius’s unwavering belief in multilateralism and global cooperation.

The event, held at The Voilà Hotel in Bagatelle, brought together several distinguished guests including the Attorney-General, Mr Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover; Members of Parliament; the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; the President of UNA Mauritius, Mr Mahess Roopun; the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nundkeswarsing Bossoondyal; and the Secretary-General, Miss Genave Marie Justelle.

In his keynote address, Minister Ramful described the United Nations as “more than an institution — a platform where every nation, regardless of size or power, has an equal voice in shaping the destiny of the world.” He recalled the UN’s continued support for Mauritius, from championing the rights of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to accompanying the nation in its pursuit of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

The Minister commended UNA Mauritius for its longstanding contribution in bringing the UN’s ideals closer to the Mauritian people, acting as a vital bridge between local aspirations and global goals. Amid today’s global challenges marked by conflict, inequality, and climate threats, he called for a renewed commitment to the founding spirit of the UN Charter — dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over competition, and solidarity over indifference.

Reaffirming Mauritius’s engagement in key global frameworks — including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the SAMOA Pathway — Minister Ramful also expressed optimism for the country’s forthcoming participation in COP30, to be held in Brazil in November 2025.

Addressing the gathering, UN Resident Coordinator Ms Lisa Simrique Singh reflected on the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” She highlighted the strong partnership between the UN and Mauritius in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and collaboration in an interconnected world.

On his part, UNA Mauritius President Mr Mahess Roopun shared a brief history of the Association, tracing its origins to the 1970s, and outlined its key milestones in promoting peace, global citizenship, and civic engagement over the past five decades. He also presented a new national project dedicated to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Mauritius — a unifying initiative aimed at mobilising institutions, youth, and communities toward a more sustainable and equitable future.