THE Secretary of the Rotary Club of Maseru, Vuyani Tshabalala Monyane, says the world faces an all-encompassing COVID-19 pandemic along with various health crises, economic disasters, and human rights emergencies rolled into one unprecedented challenge.

She was speaking during the commemoration of the 77th United Nations (UN) Day held at the Machabeng College in Maseru on Thursday this week.

The celebration was held at the college in a quest to stimulate students into learning diplomacy, international relations, and UN-related issues. Themed “Families and urbanisation” the event aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable and family-friendly urban policies.

“We also confront a planetary emergency, including accelerating climate change, growing pollution, and collapsing biodiversity, threatening the environment on which everyone’s future depends,” she said.

Tshabalala-Monyake, speaking on behalf of the Secretary General of the Rotary Club of Maseru, also said: “We are witnessing an alarming spread of hatred and discrimination.”

She said nowadays, young people spearhead movements for climate change, racial justice, and gender equality, among others.

She said the UN is committed to being its ally as they push to build a more sustainable and equitable world for today and future generations.

Speaking at the same event, Advocate Tiisetso Mafatle encouraged the students to have humanity and be accountable for their lives in the quest to end poverty.

The acting Head Master of the college, James Kamau told Maseru Metro in an interview that they celebrate the UN Day in order to embrace everybody’s culture at the multi-national school.