From rhetoric to reality: United Nations personnel are driving change

The United Nations has come a long way since it was established, 70 years ago, by sovereign States to resolve inter-State disputes. Its massive efforts in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid and setting global standards compel me to wonder what we would have done without it. Like everyone, I recognize the magnitude of the crisis that the United Nations—and indeed, the world—faces today. First, though, I want to focus on a few of the many achievements that I consider to be impressive.