UN personnel working across South Sudan have come together with local leaders and communities to celebrate United Nations Day and the work the organization is doing to protect civilians, build durable peace, and create stability and development.

Speaking at a UN Day event in Juba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, David Shearer said more than 20 UN entities and thousands of personnel are working with the people of South Sudan to “build the future together”.

“The UN works side-by-side with the South Sudanese people. We work to protect civilians, build durable peace and support the people of this country to enjoy a safe, dignified and prosperous life,” he said.

The UN provides vital services to communities across the country, such as food, access to clean water, sanitation, education, health care, infrastructural development, peacekeeping, policing, demining, human rights and other forms of advocacy.

“This year alone, 4.7 million South Sudanese in need are being reached by UN agencies and humanitarian partners. This is a testament to the commitment of dedicated aid workers, many of whom are South Sudanese nationals,” said David Shearer.

“This life-saving support is needed but we must also seize opportunities to stabilize areas affected by violence so that people can return to their homes. We must support people’s ability to pursue their livelihoods so they can forge their own future.

The South Sudanese Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomoro, joined the UN Day celebrations in Juba.

He said that, as the youngest member of the UN, South Sudan was trying its hardest to fulfill the objectives of the UN Charter.

“But it also has to do more than other UN member states because of the challenges associated with the building of a new country – a country that emerged after more than 50 years of a bloody war, marginalization and deprivation,” he said.

The Minister said that the government was trying to build a better future by unequivocally committing to implementing the 2015 peace agreement, accepting the High-Level Revitalization Forum led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and welcoming the Regional Protection Force mandated by the UN Security Council.

He acknowledged the contribution made by the UN in constructing roads, schools, and delivering health services and other projects to ease the living conditions of the South Sudanese people.

“We also sincerely appreciate the services being rendered by the various UN specialized and humanitarian services. The government is doing its best to facilitate access so that such humanitarian assistance can reach people across the country,” he said.

Six years ago, South Sudan celebrated its independence and joined the United Nations as its 193^rd member state.

“Its people came together, uniting as citizens in the world’s newest country,” said David Shearer. “The hopes that many South Sudanese held at that time of a brighter future in their own country have been ruined by war, displacement and suffering.”

However, he said that, while the many South Sudanese people he had met were from different regions and backgrounds, they all wanted one thing – peace.

“People want to return home. They want their children to go to school. They want to be productive citizens. They want to be self-reliant,” he said. “That is why the South Sudanese are urging their leaders to silence the guns and give peace a chance.”

On the 72^nd anniversary of the UN, David Shearer also paid tribute to the professionalism, commitment and courage of the UN personnel staff working in often remote and dangerous locations.

“This is a dangerous place. Since the war broke out in 2013, 86 of our fellow aid workers have been killed while helping others. We mourn their loss.”