Harare, 25 October 2016 -  In an event that has been described by many as hugely successful, WHO hosted this year’s colorful  UN Day Celebrations at their Highlands compound. The Zimbabwe UN Country Team (UNCT) marked the 71st  birthday of the UN under the theme  #UN71: Make SDGs a reality for all. The theme  was reflected in the speeches from both the UN and Government representatives as well as in the displays mounted by UN agencies and the photo displays which showcased how the UN in Zimbabwe is working towards making SDGs a reality for all Zimbabweans.

Activities to mark UN @ 71 started with the UN Wellness and Family Fun Day on the 22nd. The day started with an 8km wellness walk and Zumba for  all  UN staff in Zimbabwe, and their dependents . The wellness walk was attended by people of all ages with the youngest being a baby in a stroller. 

After the walk people were treated to a special rendition of a song entitled Light the candles all around the world by children of UN Staff and some edutainment by Dzikwa Trust Drama Club. Different service providers and practitioners set up tents within the WHO compound  for free consultation and advice. Services that were available included displays by diverse healthcare providers of their products specifically tailored to address the health needs of staff and dependents;  presentations on healthy life styles; eye screening; dental care; nutrition;  women’s health services; and road safety. Testing services were also available for blood pressure, blood glucose and  HIV testing and counselling.

Mr Bishow Parajuli,UN  Resident Coordinator (RC), and WR Zimbabwe a.i. Dr Wilfred Nkhoma also welcomed people to this year’s edition of the wellness day and encouraged them to utilize the service providers that were available to offer screening and other services for free. In his welcoming statement, WR a.i. Dr Wilfred Nkhoma appreciated the confidence shown in WHO to host the function again. He said he hoped that the messages and information people will pick from the exhibitors will encourage people to stay healthy. He urged staff members to invest time and money in maintaining good health; and asked the service providers to give out health information and advice which will empower UN staff and their dependents to take charge of their health.

On 24th October the main commemorative function was once again hosted by WHO at the  Highlands compound, and was attended by various UN agencies staff led by their respective Heads of Agencies, senior Government Officials, bilateral partners and a wide range of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions accredited to Zimbabwe. The guest of honor at the event was the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services  Hon. C. Mushowe who had a chance to tour exhibition stands and photo displays mounted by the different UN agencies to showcase their roles and contributions to making SDGs a reality for all Zimbabweans.

In his statement to the crowd gathered for the commemorative function, Hon. Mushowe said the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) values the excellent relationship of cooperation and collaboration that exists between GoZ and the UNCT. He also said Zimbabwe’s realization of the Sustainable Development Goals depends on the support and cooperation of partners like the UN agencies. He also said  the Government is heavily dependent on UN and other multilateral donors for its infrastructural development, poverty and hunger alleviation in the face of a serious drought. Hon Mushowe also reiterated that Zimbabwe will look up to the UN for support in the implementation of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) macro plan, as well as the domestication and implementation of international treaties.

In his remarks, the RC, Mr. Bishow Parajuli appreciated the good collaboration between the UNCT and the Government of Zimbabwe as they work together to achieve the SDGs. The RC also acknowledged and appreciated  the Donor Community for supporting UN efforts, noting that the UN has raised over $200 million to feed more than 1,5 million food-insecure people in Zimbabwe.  Mr Parajuli said the UN were targeting to mobilise at least $352 million from the donors, to help feed the 4,1 million Zimbabweans who face hunger.

__________________________________________

01 RC explaining one of the photos on display

02 Getting cancer information

03 Following proceedings

04 #UN71 Banner