UN Day commemorated at Azad University

Islamic Azad University’s Science and Research Branch in cooperation with UNIC Tehran commemorated UN Day at the University’s Ibn Sina Building on 23 October 2016, AVA Diplomatic reports.

It was one of a series of events, marking the 71 anniversary to UN establishment.

Chancellor of Islamic Azad University’s Science and Research Branch Dr. Ali Abbaspour in his speech said the university has constructive cooperation with many UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes in Iran such as having the chair of UNESCO’s clean air, research and training cooperation with UN HABITAT, cooperation on “Caspian environment” project as well as “Kuwait Agreement” on protecting marine environment of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.

“We also have had case cooperation with FAO and IAEA”, he added.

Dr. Abbaspour pointed out that in follow up to the university’s cooperation with UN System in Iran, Azad University’s Science and Research Branch plans to establish a joint “Centre of Excellence” with UNDP in Tehran for providing quality consultative and informative services.

Referring to Sustainable Development Goals, UN Resident Coordinator Gary Lewis told the participants: “The past year has been a watershed for international development and humanitarianism.  Governments reached major new agreements that represented promises by leaders to all people everywhere.  Promises to free humanity from the tyranny of poverty.  Promises to heal and secure our planet.  The two most crucial agreements for our future are the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which contains the 17 SDGs.  Iran is taking its obligations under both very seriously.”

More than 150 professors and students participate in the ceremony. Following the opening speeches, panel discussions were held by UNIC, UNDP, UNODC and OCHA representatives.

In addition, information booths with information about work of UNIC, UNHCR, UNODC, UN-HABITAT, UNIDO, UNDP and IOM were set up and enthusiastically managed by the UN communications team and interns.

More than 150 students and professors participated in the UN Day ceremony

“I was excited to share my knowledge with visitors about the work of UNIC.   It was my first participation in celebration of UN Day and I feel proud about my contribution”, said one of the UNIC intern.

This important occasion also allowed UNIC to present its ever-popular UN Historic Photos and Documents Exhibition about UN-Iran partnership, which was launched on UN Day 2015 in Tehran by the Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Jan Eliasson and Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Some 14 videos produced on different UN joint environmental projects were also screened for the participants.