On 29 October 2015, UNAMID, in collaboration with United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Sudan commemorated the 70th anniversary of the United Nations at Sudan National Museum in Khartoum. The event, held under the theme “Strong UN. Better World.” at the Sudan National Museum, aimed at disseminating peace massages and reflecting activities of the United Nations in Sudan. It included a photo exhibition, interactive installations, cultural performances by Sudanese artists and a grand musical concert by the noted Sudanese musician Nancy Ajaj.

Additionally, Information, Educational and Communications (IEC) materials related to UN activities in Sudan, UNAMID’s mandate as well as the work of its various sections, and the newly adopted sustainable development goals were distributed among the general public.

The photo exhibition detailing the activities of the UNCT and UNAMID was also open on 30 October 2015, for special guests and members of the diplomatic community in Khartoum. 

The occasion brought together more than 5,000 people including women’s groups, youth representatives, university students, intellectuals and academia from Khartoum and other parts of Sudan as well as UNCT representatives and UNAMID staff 

An earlier official event commemorating UN Day also took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs premises in Khartoum; this was attended by government officials, heads of foreign missions in Sudan and members of the diplomatic community, heads of UN agencies and international nongovernmental organizations, the president of the United Nations Association and UNAMID staff.

Addressing the occasion, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and the UNDP representative in Sudan Marta Ruedas read out the UN Secretary General’s message on the Day, in which Mr. Ban Ki-moon noted that the United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people, cares for the earth and defends human rights for all, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. 

Ms Ruedas explained that the UN is working with the Government of Sudan to address the needs of the vulnerable, including through the implementation of the 2015 Humanitarian Response Plan and humanitarian planning for 2016. “Over the course of the last year, and in close cooperation with national counterparts, the UN helped avoid 1.817 maternal deaths, assisted in bringing 200, 000 children back into the school system, and provided support to 2.1 million farmers to ensure their livelihoods,” she averred. 

On his part, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamal Ismail, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the UNAMID and UNCT in Sudan and highlighted Sudan’s contribution to UN activities worldwide. 

The representative of the Wali of Khartoum State and Minister of Culture and Information, Mohammed Yousif, welcomed the presence of the UN in Khartoum and across Sudan. “We are committed to facilitating the work of the UN and cooperate with its staff to implement the principles of the United Nations charter,” said Mr. Yousif. 

On his part, Mr. Sidig Wadah, Chair, Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultations (DIDC) implementation Committee, commended UNAMID’s efforts in the Darfur peace process and encouraged all Darfuris to work for peaceful co-existence among communities in the region.