Hundreds Throng UN Day Celebrations

6 Nov 2013

Hundreds Throng UN Day Celebrations

“When we were scattered in countries over the face of the earth, you, the United Nations, met us in each of those countries and made us feel you care. You helped us to survive the hardship we faced by making our environment a little friendlier and accommodative.”

That’s what Wilnet Gaye of the Soltimon Christian School said as she participated in the United Nations Day celebrations at Samuel K. Doe (SKD) Stadium in Monrovia. Gaye was one of hundreds of Liberians who came out on 24 October to celebrate the UN’s 68th birthday. 

This year’s theme was “UN4U: United Nations Works for You.” A parade of students through the streets of Monrovia finished at SKD, where a morning of entertainment and education awaited. 

Over 500 students were treated to a display of military skills by Nigerian peacekeepers while their Chinese counterparts showcased their mastery of martial arts.  Anti-Rape Ambassador and Hipco singer Takun J got the students on their feet singing his hit song, “My Way.” 

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Aeneas C. Chuma, thanked Liberians for their partnership over the past decade, saying: “There has been tremendous progress in building peace in Liberia…There is peace because the leaders and people of Liberia want to have peace and everyone is committed to making Liberia a better country.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sylvester M. Grigsby, thanked the UN for its contribution to Liberia over the past ten years. 
“We’re pleased that the UN has taken the lead on the crucial issues of development, the formulation of the Millennium Development Goals. We have also taken initiative to formulate the agenda for post-2015.”

Once the ceremony had concluded, the students made their way around the stadium, where UN agencies had their work on display. UN Volunteers were on hand to answer questions about volunteerism for development, UN Women encouraged the youth to sign a banner to end violence against women, and the Food and Agriculture Organization displayed food produced by Liberian farmers using their seeds. 

As celebrations continued at SKD, teams of UNMIL’s military, police and civilian personnel, along with representatives of the Ministry of Education took to ten schools across Monrovia to talk to students about the work of the UN towards the goals of peace and development.

Richard Nixon Ogwang and Isaaclyn Williams, both with UNMIL Rations Unit, joined colleagues from UNICEF, UN Police, and the MoE to talk to students at Gray D. Allison High School. The group reported back:

“The roles of the UN in Liberia were highly discussed. Students gave good contributions towards this topic, citing cases and areas where they have seen the UN play major roles, amongst them peace in Liberia.” The outreach teams, consisting of 40 people, also distributed school supplies to the participating students.
 
Finally, a Parade of Nations took place at UNMIL Headquarters celebrating the different cultures as well as cuisines from various countries.