By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana’s government in collaboration with the United Nations, is set to host a week of activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). The local theme for the celebration is “UN@80: Ghana and the UN – Shared Responsibility for a Better Tomorrow,” aligning with the global theme, “UN at 80: Building our future together.”
The events, running from Saturday, October 18th, to Friday, October 24th, 2025, will highlight Ghana’s enduring partnership with the UN, particularly in areas of advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
Ghana, which became the 81st UN Member State in 1957, has consistently played a leading role through peacekeeping, diplomacy, and advocacy for global solidarity. The weeklong commemoration reflects Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of the UN.
A statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the celebration will kick off on Saturday, October 18, with a Peace Walk, starting from the forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The symbolic walk aims to serve as a rallying call for collective action toward sustaining peace and security in Ghana and across the world.
On Tuesday, October 21, a Tree Planting Exercise will be held under the theme “8 Trees for 8 Decades.” The initiative, which will take place at eight strategic locations, underscores the UN’s commitment to environmental sustainability and Ghana’s dedication to climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.
The statement, said the activities will continue with a High-Level Dialogue on Wednesday, October 22, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event will bring together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives to deliberate on “The Future of Multilateralism in a Changing World” and “Advancing Sustainable Development and Finance in a Fragmented Global Order.”
“These discussions are timely as nations navigate global inequalities, economic uncertainty, and shifting power dynamics. The event will provide a platform for high-level policymakers diplomats, and development partners to exchange ideas and propose actionable strategies for a more resilient and inclusive global order”; the statement added.
A Public Lecture will follow on Thursday, October 23, at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), where experts and thought leaders will reflect on Ghana’s partnership with the UN and the role of international cooperation in addressing emerging global challenges.
The celebration will be climaxed on Friday, October 24, with a Flag-Raising Ceremony and Photo Exhibition at the Forecourt of the State House. The ceremony will feature the hoisting of the UN and Ghana flags, followed by a photo exhibition showcasing eight decades of Ghana–UN cooperation in peacekeeping, development, and humanitarian work.
The 80th UN Day celebration offers Ghana an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of the United Nations peace, human rights and sustainable development and to reflect on the shared vision of building a better future for all.
Government extends its best wishes to all Ghanaians and partners for a successful and memorable commemoration of the United Nations at 80.
