UN General Assembly
1968

155. The peoples have perhaps never had greater need than they have today of the hope brought them by the message: peace to men of goodwill. The United Nations has been in existence for twenty-three years. By reason of its universality it now has 125 Members, both great and small, powerful and weak, rich and poor, all determined to make it a living instrument for world peace and co-operation based upon strict respect for the sovereignty of each of its Members. Yesterday, celebrating its anniversary, 24 October, the United Nations came together — as it continues to come together — not only to rejoice in its supporters (which we are) but to give expression to the hope it cherishes to live long enough to accomplish the noble tasks entrusted to it by its founders.