This year’s UN Day was observed at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) compound on 24 October 2023 in the presence of diplomats, government officials, media, youth representatives, the UN Country Team and UN staff. Statements were delivered by H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Ambassador Mesganu Arga, Minister of State for Political and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Mr Antonio Pedro, the acting Executive Secretary of UNECA, read the UN Secretary-General’s UN Day message. In her statement, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa commenting on the UN Day theme of the year, ‘Equality, Freedom and Justice for All’, emphasized on the importance of ensuring the inclusion of girls and women in development efforts. On the United Nations-African Union (UN-AU) partnership, she underscored the need to harness synergies in order to meet the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nation’s Agenda 2030, or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to working together with the United Nations (UN) to jointly address emerging challenges and to achieve the ‘Africa We Want’.

On his part, Ambassador Arga reflected on Ethiopia’s role in the creation of the United Nations and noted that the country hosts one among the largest UN presences globally. With this, he also highlighted the on-going cooperation between Ethiopia and the UN and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continue working together. Youth representatives stressed on the need for greater inclusion of young people in addressing challenges both at country and global levels. To conclude the ceremony, the UN flag was raised in the UNECA compound. UNOAU was represented by UNOAU Chief of Staff, Ms Felicia Gordon, who attended on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOAU, Mr Parfait Onanga-Anyanga. She met and engaged with the African Union Deputy Chairperson as well as several ambassadors and diplomats who also attended the ceremony.

Read the full message of the UN Secretary-General here