UN General Assembly
1995

virtue of its long history and involvement in the struggle for peace, cooperation and the prosperity of all peoples, in the comity of nations. During the past half-century of its existence, the United Nations has endeavoured to maintain international peace and security and remain responsive to the needs of the public that it serves. Today, its responsibilities have increased to cover urgent humanitarian emergencies which require the deployment of tremendous resources. It is hoped that the corresponding support will be forthcoming from Member States. When the United Nations succeeds, the great majority, who depend on the services it provides, are lifted from misery, suffering and deprivation. That is the basic principle we should bear in mind as the Organization enters its fifty-first year of existence. The United Nations, in spite of its perceived shortcomings, which we must collectively seek to overcome, represents mankind’s legitimate aspiration to be truly our brother’s keeper. Let us rededicate ourselves to this important objective to ensure our survival and that of succeeding generations.