Under the patronage of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain marked last night the United Nations Day, which annually falls on October 24, at a ceremony held at the Diplomat Hotel.
The event, held with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Information Affairs Authority, focused on the My World Global Survey, a UN initiative aimed at achieving better development for the world.
In his speech, the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs expressed his great pleasure to join the celebrations for the United Nations Day, and for the launch of the UN MY World Global Survey.
He thanked the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Peter Grohmann, for the outstanding efforts of the UN team in Bahrain.
Al Buainain expressed his congratulations and admiration for the talented young Bahraini artists whose work was displayed earlier in the day to mark the occasion, which he said was an indication of the rich heritage and broad talents of the Bahraini people.
He said that the United Nations Day not only recognizes the UN’s many achievements over the last 68 years, but also reflects upon the many pressing issues facing the world and how best to address the challenges of the future.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs welcomed the Secretary-General’s call in his UN Day message for more to be done to end the terrible suffering of the Syrian people, whose continued plight is a graphic daily reminder of the urgent need for all countries to assume their solemn responsibilities in accordance with the Charter and principles of the United Nations.
Al Buainain welcomed the launch of the MY World Global Survey, and the opportunity for widespread public contribution to the debate on the post-2015 development agenda. He added that as the Millennium Development Goals have made clear, the United Nations was a uniquely effective forum in which to mobilise international commitment on global issues, delivering real tangible benefits to those who are most in need.
Al Buainain hoped that the MY World Global Survey could not only inform policy makers as they debate the post-2015 agenda, but also underline the United Nations’ role in promoting broad popular engagement and participation in globally-vital issues.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs concluded by congratulating the United Nations on this important day, adding that he looked forward to further international efforts to address the challenges the world faces both now and in the future.
The event featured a presentation on the My World Global Survey, which offers the opportunity for citizens to present their views on key development priorities that should be included by world leaders in the new development agenda. Present on the occasion was the Minister of State for Information Affair, Samira Bin Rajab, ambassadors and top officials. (MOFA)