We, the Peoples of the United Nations

The opening words of the UN Charter are “We, the Peoples of the United Nations.”This is the clearest possible statement that the United Nations does not belong to States alone. It is a part of the common heritage of all of humankind

It belongs to every one. For each and every one of us, it is a unique institution, a mechanism that links us all in of our efforts to build a better world. It is an expression of human faith and confidence in the future.

We live in an era in which international affairs are no longer dominated by States as the sole actors. The participants include non governmental Organizations, national parliaments, private companies, the mass media, universities, intellectuals, artists, and every woman and every man who considers him or herself to be part of the great human family.”

Secretary-General Kofi Annan Messina, Italy, April 1997