UN marks 70th anniversary in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA (ILO News) – The UN flag-raising ceremony has taken place in the presence of senior government officials of Ethiopia, diplomats and officials of UN agencies as well as UN staff members.

The UN's 70th anniversary is a moment to recognize the contribution of United Nations staffs who bring the United Nation Charter to life, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia George Okutho said.

The Anniversary, under the theme “Strong UN Better World”, offers an opportunity to showcase the UN’s role in promoting peace and security, human dignity, social progress and better living standards for humanity.

Delivering the United Nations Secretary General’s message, Okutho, who’s also the ILO Country Director for Ethiopia and Somalia, highlighted that the UN defends human rights for all, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation, The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion and cares for the earth, our one and only home, he added.

Carlos Lopes, Under-Secretary General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa emphasised that the celebration is a key one as the UN marks the adoption of Agenda 2030.

"As we begin the next phase of our journey towards a sustainable path, we must intensify our efforts to ensure that no African is left behind. It remains our collective responsibility to continue to put Africa first in our collaborative actions towards a more prosperous and integrated continent," said Lopes.

Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie, reminded participants that his country was one of the founding members of the United Nations 70 years ago.

Ethiopia is home to multiple international organizations, including the UN Regional Offices for Africa (UNDP, ILO, and UNCTAD) as well as to 29 UN offices, funds, programs and about 3,400 UN personnel located across the country.