UN Iran honours life of Dr. Hulki Uz, UNFPA Representative

His powerful laughter. His dedication. His friendship. His sense of humour. His smile. His ability to pull people together.”

This is how the UNFPA Representative in Iran for five years, Dr. Hulki Uz will be remembered by his colleagues, friends and government counterparts in the Islamic Republic of Iran, AVA Diplomatic reports.

After an old, treated cancer flared up once again to claim his life, Dr. Uz left his family and friends behind on 8th May 2015. The news of his departure came as a shock to those who knew him.

To bid farewell to Dr. Uz, the United Nations team in the Islamic Republic of Iran along with government officials gathered on 10 May 2015 at the United Nations Common Premises in Tehran. The ceremony started with observance of one minute of silence to honour the life of a man who brought joy to the lives of many.

The message of Mr. Gary Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator was delivered by Mr. Sivanka Dhanapala, UNHCR Representative and UN Resident Coordinator a.i., since he was not present in the country.

 “It is utterly saddening to think that someone with so much potential to do good in this world – and who had done so much good – should have been taken away from us at such an early age. But even in the very few years he spent with us, Hulki made his great contribution […] We hope you can see us now – at this moment – and take comfort from how much you are still respected – and loved. Goodbye, my Brother. May your Soul Rest in Peace” Mr. Lewis had stated in his message.

A poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson was then recited by Mr. Dhanapala.

“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded”

In concluding his remarks, Mr. Dhanapala said: “Hulki, my friend, let there be no doubt, you have succeeded.”

Ms. Soudabeh Ahmadzadeh, UNFPA Assistant Representative and OIC, delivered a message on behalf of her team.

 “His smile, laughter and passion for life will always be with us and will be remembered. However, his premature departure makes it really difficult and hard for his family, friends and colleagues. It is not easy to say goodbye to someone who we – as UNFPA staff – spend so much time with. Let it be known that no one will miss him as much as we will. He suffered a lot during the last six months during which we tried to accompany him in his pain and tried to be of some comfort” said Ms. Ahmadzadeh. She continued: “May he rest in peace and may God give his family patience.”

 Attending the ceremony were quite a number of high level government officials who not only respected Dr. Uz as a partner but also cordially held him dear as a friend. Among representatives from the Department of Women and Family Affairs, Iran’s Red Crescent Society, Statistical Center of Iran, Health Academy, National Organization for Civil Registration and the National Elderly Council, Dr. M Hosseini, Deputy Minister of Labor, took the tribune to say a few words about Dr. Uz’s exemplary friendship and high spirit: “Dr. Hulki was a true Muslim. His attitude towards life and his sense of humor will be missed.”

After the ceremony, attendees signed a condolence book which will be sent to Dr. Uz’s family in hopes of bringing them some comfort during this difficult time.

On 11 May 2015, H.E. Mr. Peiman Seadat, the Director General of the Office of Environment and Sustainable Development Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the coordinating office of UN work in Iran, and his colleagues, visited UNFPA office to pay their respect to Dr. Uz and sign the book of condolences. H.E. Mr. Seadat spoke highly of Dr. Uz, stating that he has been one of the few UN Representatives, who always displayed full understanding of the Iran context and acted accordingly. In addition, he stated that he feels he has lost a colleague, brother and a friend. Mr. Seadat brought with him the written statement of condolences of H.E. Mr. Araghchi, Deputy for Legal and International Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , to be delivered to Dr. Uz’ family.