Is Global Unity Still a Dream? Reflecting on United Nations Day 2024: What Hospitality Teaches Us About Peace and Partnerships

Every year on October 24, United Nations Day reminds us of the critical role international cooperation plays in fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development. For me, as an HR executive in the hospitality industry, this day holds special meaning. After all, hospitality is about welcoming diversity, building partnerships, and ensuring everyone feels at home—values that align with the UN's mission of global unity.

The history behind United Nations Day is profound. Established in 1945 after the signing of the UN Charter, the day commemorates the birth of an organization devoted to safeguarding peace and promoting human rights globally. As someone who has worked in multicultural environments across different countries, including the Maldives and the Philippines, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of international collaboration. Much like the UN's efforts, successful hospitality hinges on building bridges across cultures and ensuring everyone feels respected and included.

Global Peace through a Human-Centric Approach

In the hospitality industry, we are constantly balancing customer needs and cultural differences. I’ve seen how much emotional labor this takes—something often overlooked in industries where "customer is king" is more than a slogan but an expectation. Similarly, the UN’s work requires tireless emotional labor—compromising, listening, and constantly striving to find common ground among nations with different backgrounds and agendas.

The United Nations Day serves as a powerful reminder that peace doesn't just happen; it requires active participation, much like how we cultivate a positive working environment. As leaders, we constantly work on creating inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive, offering psychological safety and encouraging assertive communication, just as the UN fosters diplomatic dialogue.

Promoting Partnerships in a Competitive World

I’ve always believed that partnerships are at the heart of success.

There's an old saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, which emphasizes Partnerships for the Goals, perfectly resonates with my experiences in hospitality.

From managing teams across various hotels to collaborating with partners in different industries, I’ve learned that unity often arises from the willingness to share knowledge, resources, and strategies.

In hospitality, this collaborative mindset is especially evident when we see the seamless integration of different teams—from housekeeping to front office to food & beverage—working together to create a memorable guest experience.

The same can be said for the international community working toward shared goals like peace, reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and justice (SDG 16).

The world could take a few notes from how we, in hospitality, manage competition—both external and internal—while remaining open to learning from each other. This balance is what keeps us innovating and improving, and it’s what the United Nations strives for in solving global challenges.

United Nations Day in Action: Lessons from the Philippines

One of the most memorable United Nations Day celebrations I witnessed was in the Philippines. Schoolchildren donned the national attire of various UN member states and participated in activities designed to deepen their global awareness. It was heartwarming to see these young minds already embracing the values of unity and cooperation at such an early age.

It reminded me of how crucial it is, as leaders, to nurture these values in our workplaces. Whether we’re onboarding a new employee or launching a global project, our efforts should always aim to create inclusive environments where collaboration thrives and respect for diverse perspectives remains at the forefront.

A Call to Action for 2024: Promote Unity in Your Everyday Life

On United Nations Day 2024, I challenge everyone—especially those in the hospitality industry—to think about how we can be ambassadors for global unity in our daily interactions. Whether you’re working with international guests or leading a multicultural team, every small action can contribute to a more peaceful, equitable world.

As we reflect on the importance of international partnerships, let's commit to fostering environments where people from all walks of life feel welcome and valued. The future of global unity depends not just on the big diplomatic efforts but on the everyday kindness and cooperation we show one another.

Let’s continue to promote peace, justice, and inclusion—both in our industries and our communities.

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