UN Day colourfully celebrated in Ethiopia

The United Nations Day was colourfully celebrated in Addis Ababa in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, the United Nations team, representatives of the Africa Union, diplomatic community and young people in the country.

During the ceremony held at the UNECA compound, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Ms. Vera Songwe, delivered the message of the UN Secretary-General on the UN Day.

“The values that have powered the UN Charter for the last 76 years — peace, development, human rights, and opportunity for all — have no expiry date,” said Ms. Songwe.

“As we mark UN Day, let’s unite behind these ideals, and live up to the full promise, potential and hope of the United Nations.”

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, said, “The United Nations is the only global umbrella organisation through which we collectively chart our common destiny in the increasingly inter-related world.”

“In a world where individualised power and isolated prosperity is proven impossible, the UN will continue to enjoy our allegiance and support. Collective security and multilateralism are critical pillars of Ethiopia’s foreign policy. We have seen, both the good and bad days on the multilateral forum. We also have the great honour of hosting the Economic Commission for Africa and several UN agencies in our capital.”

The event also saw students who delivered messages on the five Ps of SDGS – People, Peace, Prosperity, Planet and Partnership - and called on the UN, member states, donors and partners to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.