UNMIK staff celebrates UN Day in Pristina and Mitrovica

UNMIK staff celebrates UN Day in Pristina and Mitrovica

24 October 2014 – United Nations Day was celebrated at UNMIK Headquarters in Pristina today. On this day in 1945, the UN officially came into being – not just as an institution, but as a solemn promise to the world’s people. UNMIK’s event began with a video message from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He said , “The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of multiple crises… At this critical moment, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering the marginalized and vulnerable. On United Nations Day, I call on Governments and individuals to work in common cause for the common good.”

Following the video message, a radio programme, produced by UNMIK’s Office of the Spokesperson and Public Information, was played at the event, in which the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Kosovo, Farid Zarif said, “The UN was created to save future generations from the scourge of war, to advance human rights, and to promote justice. We’ve faced many diverse setbacks – from genocide and terrorism to climate change and disease. It isn’t easy for one organization to tackle everything from human trafficking and corruption to floods and droughts. But we must keep trying – because that’s why we’re here.”

Deputy SRSG Jennifer Brush addressed the gathering, noting the vital links between prosperity, stability and democracy, and stressing that one could not exist without the others. For his part, the UN Development Coordinator for Kosovo, Andrew Russell, spoke of the need for the UN system to work together to help build a better future for all the people of Kosovo.

After the speeches and multimedia presentations, participants were treated to performances by the “Minatori i Ri” and “ Kriva Reka” children’s dance troupes featuring traditions from the various communities of Kosovo.

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Meanwhile, on 23 October, UNMIK organized an additional UN Day reception in South Mitrovica. The event was attended by Deputy SRSG Jennifer Brush as well as a number of representatives from the UN Kosovo Team and other international organizations. Several local political and community leaders also took part in the event including Adrijana Hodžić, the head of the Mitrovica North Administrative Office (MNAO); Nemanja Jakšić, the Chairperson of Zubinpotok/Zubin Potok Municipal Assembly; and Xhemshit Bekteshi, the Leposaviq/Leposavić Deputy Mayor for Communities. Also present, from both north and south of the Ibër/Ibar River, were a number of civil society representatives and officials from public utility companies.