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28 October, 2010
Lesotho celebrated the creation and work of the
United Nations with a week of activities, 18-24 October 2010
During one week, from Monday 18 October, the
Government and United Nations in Lesotho celebrated the creation and
work of the United Nations worldwide, and in Lesotho, a number of
events – ranging from discussions with university students to
interaction with private sector – marked the week.
 Every
year, the United Nations celebrates the founding of the organization
on 24 October 1945. All over the world, Governments, civil society
and UN Country Teams celebrate this day. In Lesotho, the Government
and the UN have extended the UN Day into a whole week of celebration
and outreach. The purpose is to raise awareness among Basotho of the
work that the UN does in Lesotho and worldwide and discuss key
development issues with relevant stakeholders. The year 2010 is
crucial for the UN Member States – with just five years left to
attain the Millennium Development Goals. These form the global
common vision for building a better world in the 21st
century. During the recent UN General Assembly summit, leaders
discussed how to ensure the MDGs can be reached by 2015.
The theme for 2010 UN Week was MDGs and Youth,
considering that 2010 is a year of MDG review and also the
International Year of Youth.
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UN4U – During a weeklong outreach
effort, all UN Heads of Agencies visited the tertiary
institutions in Lesotho to discuss the MDGs and how young people
can contribute to them. |
Youth Drama – The theme of the UN Day
celebrations in 2010 was MDGs and Youth. During the formal
celebrations, the youth group Kick4Life showed how participatory
theatre can help young people discuss sensitive subjects and
learn about how to prevent HIV transmission. |
During the week, a large portion of the programme was
devoted to the global “UN4U”-campaign where UN and Government
representatives interacted with students on the purpose and work of
the United Nations as well as the role of especially youth in
achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Speaking with One Voice,
all UN Heads of Agencies, including the UNDP Resident
Representative, visited the tertiary institutions in Lesotho and
highlighted the need of increased attention of the young to the
development of Lesotho.
In addition to the UN4U campaign, the UN Week
celebrations in Lesotho included a private sector round table to
accelerate progress towards the MDGs; a public debate on maternal
health; a meeting with faith-based organizations; community work and
a dinner with international food tasting. |
