NEW YORK, United States of America, October 20, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
Marking the United Nations 70th anniversary a special celebration was organized last night at the ministry of foreign affairs as the famous Cairo tower was lit with “blue UN”.
The ceremony, organized in collaboration between the ministry of foreign Affairs and the United Nations in Egypt, was attended by Cairo diplomatic community, representatives of the League of Arab States, the UN system in Egypt and civil society.
Addressing the audience on behalf of Mr. Sameh Shoukry, minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hisham Badr expressed thanks to the United Nations in Egypt for “the numerous activities it undertakes that significantly contribute to the strengthening of Egypt’s efforts towards progress” and emphasized Egypt’s interest in deepening and broadening this cooperation with the UN.
Ambassador Badr reiterated Egypt’s determination to utilize its membership in the Security Council to achieve the UN goals, “speak on behalf of developing countries, especially those in Africa” and to “strive towards reform of the United Nations system”. He also stressed Egypt’s support to the UN’s international peace and security efforts, “especially in the Middle East, and specifically with regards to the Palestinian issue”.
Speaking on behalf of the UN System, Ms. Anita Nirody the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt congratulated Egypt for its election at the UN Security Council adding that the global community counts on Egypt’s “leadership in taking forward the global agenda of building peace and security and promoting development”.
Ms Nirody said the 70th anniversary of the United Nations is “a significant moment in history” adding that the organization, “founded after the Second World War by 51 countries – including Egypt – to promote peace and security, social progress, better living standards and human rights” has now 193 members States, “reaches every corner in the globe” and makes every day “a positive difference for millions of people”.
The UN Resident Coordinator said cooperation between the UN and Egypt has given place to important achievements in many areas such as advancing gender equality, halving under five child mortality, immunizations and eradication of diseases, and protection of Egypt’s cultural heritage. She reiterated the UN system readiness to further develop cooperation with Egypt in implementing the new sustainable development agenda, to ‘leave no one behind’.
