24 October 2013 - Under the theme “One South Sudan – One UN”, UN Day was celebrated across the country today with parades, music, drama, poetry, sporting activities and readings of the Secretary-General’s message.

Emphasizing the importance of UN work, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message that it was working every day, around the clock and across the world, to confront today’s emergencies.

“We are feeding the hungry, fighting disease and pressing for a nuclear-weapon-free world,” Mr. Ban said. “We are strengthening peacekeeping, peacebuilding and preventive diplomacy, and our tools for justice.”

The UN’s sights were also set on the key year 2015 or the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals,” he said. “I am confident that, working together, we can succeed in achieving these ambitious goals.”

Also focusing on united efforts to achieve goals, South Sudanese states marked the Day under the theme “One South Sudan – One UN”.

In Yambio, Acting Western Equatoria Governor and Minister of Youth and Sports Bullen Wande urged UNMISS to respond quickly in saving lives and help develop peaceful states in South Sudan.

Speaking to over 200 UNMISS staff, government officials, students, and community leaders at the mission compound, he called on the UN to support peaceful states through developmental activities, as examples for hostile ones.

The ceremony also featured a drama by nursery and primary school students depicting the presidents of South Sudan and Sudan solving disputes through dialogue. Other students recited a poem acknowledging UNMISS support in consolidating peace and development in the country.

UNMISS in Kuajok, Warrap State, organized an outreach programme for over 60 youths at the mission compound.

Representing the governor, Minister of Social Development and Religious Affairs Victoria Tito asked the mission to do more to reduce maternal mortality, especially at the village level and help the government implement a gender-based policy.

Ms. Tito called on youth to rise up and develop their country, understanding that without peace and security this could not occur. “Warrap State youths with their counterparts across the country should say no to conflict and yes to peace and security,” she said.

UNMISS State Coordinator Abraham Onifade said, “As leaders of tomorrow, youths in Warrap State must embrace peace and security, and they can count on UNMISS support along the way.”

The Day was celebrated in Upper Nile State at Malakal Stadium with a football game between uniformed personnel (UNMISS military and South Sudan police) and civilians (UN staff and local residents), a drama and poems presented by secondary school students, and free medical camps for both people and animals.

UN agency representative Meldred Auma told the gathering, “The United Nations will continue to assist the young nation in various aspects, especially in development sector and maintaining peace.”

In Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, UNMISS and UN agencies held a workshop to sensitize stakeholders about the roles of different UN bodies in the state.

Addressing the ceremony at Peace Hall, state Governor Brig. Gen. Rizik Zacharia Hassan said, “We … acknowledge the great roles of the UN family,” and assured UNMISS and UN agencies of the government’s support.

UNMISS and the State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports held a football match In Bentiu, Unity State, between “Team White” (mission staff and local residents) and “Team Blue” (South Sudan uniformed services) at Bentiu independence Stadium.

An unexpected guest was State Advisor for Peace and Reconciliation Koang Delanga, who said the more young people took part in sports, the better for peace.

When asked about UN work he knew of, William Wouor, General Secretary of Unity Football Association, said, “The UN has done a lot in South Sudan before and after independence, helping us maintain peace and bring people together. It … (works with) refugees and gives food to displaced people.”

Speaking at a ceremony in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, State Coordinator Hiroko Mosko applauded staff efforts to meet UN goals and paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

On the eve of UN Day, UNMISS Torit held an interactive forum for members of civil society organizations and journalists in Eastern Equatoria State.

Some journalists said the forum gave them insight into what UNMISS and UN agencies were doing in the state. They asked to be more involved so they could adequately and accurately report on UN activities.
 

In Aweil, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State, hundreds of local residents celebrated the Day with UN staff, accompanied by the South Sudan National Police Service band.

Acting State Legislature Assembly Speaker Garang Zakaria paid tribute to fallen Indian peacekeepers. “If we remember last year we lost some people who were supporting peace in … Jonglei. We (would) like to say that we are with them.”

He also expressed hope that “one day we will be ready send our men in uniform, send our civilians, our police, to help other countries that may have such a problem that we having today in South Sudan.”

Dechassa Lemessa, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the state, spoke of the UN’s purpose. “It affords the opportunity for countries to balance global interdependence and national interests when addressing international problems.”

In Rumbek, Lakes State, secondary school discussed the high bride price in the state as well as prisoners and communities at two UNMISS-organized forums.

The Day was celebrated in Bor, Jonglei State, at a primary school, where officials lauded UNMISS support during recent conflict in Twic East County (see separate story).