The United Nations came into being on 24th October, 1945. This year will see its 25th Anniversary which will be celebrated extensively not only by this World Body but also by member nations. As one of its many commemorative activities, the Government of Malaysia will be issuing on this occasion a 25th Anniversary Commemorative stamp.
A quarter of a century is a long time for any organization to survive. The United Nations has been through many a troublesome period, but Malaysia has always pledged her support for this worthy body. One might ask why this body is so esteemed in a world so fraught with trouble.
The answers might be found in the Charter of the U.N. itself. Some of the objectives of the U.N. have been formulated precisely to make the world a better and safer place to live in. These objectives can be described briefly as:
- To maintain international peace and security.
- To develop friendly relations among nations.
- To achieve co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character.
- To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in achieving character.
These are certainly worthy causes and are some of reasons for Malaysia's support for the U.N.
The United Nations does give much of its assistance through its specialized agencies, some of which have inter-governmental status.
The Economic and Social Council, as a co-ordinating body for these agencies, seeks to promote (as specified in the Charter) "higher standards of living, full employment and conditions of economic and social progress for all peoples.
It is the main coordinating organ for such agencies as the International Labour Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, International Telecommunications Union, UNESCO and a host of other agencies which are formed for the benefit of mankind.
None of these agencies and bodies of the U.N. can function without the financial assistance of member States.
At the moment there are several U.N. projects in Malaysia which are being undertaken by these U.N. specialized agencies. As an example, the Food and Agricultural Organization is at present setting up a Fisherman's Training Center as one of its many projects. It is also assisting in the Forest Industries. The United Nations Development Programme is assisting the Malaysian Government in carrying out surveys and feasibility studies to determine the economic potential and to plan the productive use of national resources; also in establishing and strengthening educational and training institutions. Many F.A.O. and I.T.U experts are brought over and many fellowships are granted to Malaysian citizens.
Apart from its economic and technical work, the U.N. is also used as a "courtroom for world opinion". It is a place where countries deliberate to sort out their various political problems vis-a-vis one another. Such international crises as the Korean Crisis (1950), Congo (1960) and Cuba (1962) have been resolved by means of this world body. On the other hand, many problems have not been resolved. The U.N. does have its defects and is by no means a perfect body. However, it is a useful meeting place for diplomats and the proof of its usefulness may be seen in the fact that it is already 25 years old.
The 25th Anniversary of the U.N. is thus certainly an auspicious occasion not only for the U.N. but also for Malaysia in that the anniversary is to commemorate for Malaysia the good work that the U.N. has done for her and the mutual benefits to both. The issue of this 25th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp is one tribute that Malaysia is giving this esteemed world body.
Technical Details
Commemorative postage stamps of 25 cents, 30 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued to mark the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations on 24th October, 1970.
Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 100:
Horizontal - 35 mm
Vertical - 25 mm
Design: The three stamps feature the Emblem of the United Nations and 25 Doves of Peace.
Colour:
25 cents - The Emblem in yellow and the Doves in white against a brown background.
30 cents - The Emblem in blue and the Doves in white against a yellow/green background.
50 cents - The Emblem and Doves in white against a green background.
Artist: Enche Ng Peng Nam
Printing Process: Delacryl
Paper: Unwatermarked white paper
Printed by: Messrs. Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., England
Period of Sale: Until stocks are exhausted.
First day cover
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