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27 October, 2011
The year 2011 marked the 66th Anniversary of the founding
of the United Nations and the signing of the Charter of the United
Nations observed annually on 24 October.
United Nations agencies in Lesotho, in collaboration with the
Government of Lesotho, celebrated this important event during the
week of 17 -24 October 2011 through various activities.
Under the theme Harnessing Youth Potential Towards the Attainment
of the MDGs, the UN Week provided a unique opportunity to
re-ignite the spirit for the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
It was a chance not only to recognize young people’s contribution
in development but also to help them realize their potential, their
power and organizational ability to be a force for change in
society.
The overall objectives of this national commemoration were to
facilitate advocacy and dialogue among various stakeholders
(including the youth) on youth empowerment, taking into
consideration the current development challenges faced by youth; and
to celebrate diversity in the United Nations through exhibitions and
an international food tasting.
Activities kicked off on the first day with a Youth Dialogue at Ster
Kinekor Cinema aimed at exploring how the energy and potential of
the youth can be channeled towards their development and nation
building.
It
was also about engaging in a dialogue over issues that concern the
youth and to explore how young people think such issues can be
addressed better.
 The dialogue
was facilitated through screening of MDG-related movies and
discussions led by youth from various youth groups and schools. Some
youth groups delivered their messages through drama, dance, poetry,
story-telling and motivational talks. To raise the profile and
the work of the UN in Lesotho and around the world, resident UN
agencies and programmes showcased their work in an expo for the
whole week at Pioneer Mall.
The subsequent four days (19-21) saw the UN Heads of Agencies and
technical staff visiting various radio stations to talk about the
work of the UN in Lesotho in relation to the MDGs and how they
affect the youth as well as the role of youth in helping Lesotho
achieve them.
 Staff
of the UN in Lesotho felt the need to embark on a community service
activity through a cleaning campaign on Friday, 21 October. This was
to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and environmental
protection as well as to contribute towards addressing climate
change — ahead of the coming Climate Change Conference (COP17) in
South Africa.
Following consultations with the Ministry of Health and the Maseru
City Council, routes were assigned at the main bus stop, in the
Maseru Market area. The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Ahunna
Eziakonwa-Onochie and some UN Heads of Agencies led the UN Staff in
cleaning the streets.
Monday the 24th began with
 a
breakfast meeting between the UN Heads of Agencies and the media. In
line with the theme of the commemoration, the media interaction
provided journalists with an opportunity to learn firsthand about
the work of the United Nations in Lesotho to fight poverty,
strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights and fundamental
freedoms, protect the environment and advance economic and social
progress for all Basotho. Particular attention was drawn to the
comprehensive UN support towards Youth Empowerment.
Later that evening, a high-level ceremony was held at the
‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre. The ceremony began with a panel
discussion on Youth Empowerment.
The discussions explored issues that empower and/or hamper youth
progress and how various sectors — including the government — can
address such challenges.
The highlight of the evening was the traditional food tasting dinner
whereby UN Staff brought traditional dishes from their countries and
shared with participants
United Nations Day is devoted to making known to peoples of the
world the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organization.
Written by: ‘Mamosa Moteetee UNIC - National Information Officer |
