On August 13, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and China Media Group co-hosted a cultural exchange event titled “Echoes of Peace” at the United Nations Headquarters to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. More than 100 representatives, including those from the UN Secretariat, diplomatic missions, and descendants of American Flying Tigers veterans, attended the event.

In his speech, Ambassador Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, said that 80 years ago, China, at the cost of immense national sacrifice, made a decisive contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China was proud to be the first country to sign the United Nations Charter, and has since worked hand in hand with all nations for peace and development. However, 80 years later, the journey toward peace and development remains long and arduous. We must revisit the UN’s founding mission, advocate the correct historical view of World War II, uphold the authority of the United Nations, resolve security dilemmas through cooperation, together address global challenges, and join hands to build a better world.

President of China Media Group Shen Haixiong, UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, and Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation Jeffrey Greene in their remarks reviewed the founding mission of the United Nations, and recalled enduring stories of friendship forged as the forces of justice around the world fought side by side. They welcomed China’s steadfast support for the United Nations and multilateralism, and called on all parties to draw wisdom and strength from history and work together for peace.

Later in the evening, the United Nations Headquarters in New York was illuminated with laser projections featuring themed images of the UN’s founding and the signing of its Charter, bringing history vividly to life. The event also featured clips of the film The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru and musical performance such as Flowers of Peace, conveying heartfelt wishes for world peace.