71st Anniversary of UN celebrated in Tehran

“For me – the United Nations is more than simply an organization.  It is a vision.  The vision that nations can unite around common principles and goals.  Goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”, AVA Diplomatic reports.

The UN Day commemoration took place on 30 October at the National Library in the presence of Vice-President and Head of Iran’s Department of Environment, H.E. Dr. Masoumeh Ebtekar, Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Director-General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government officials, UN partners, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the media and UN staff working in Iran.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.  The partnership between the UN and Iran goes back to the inception of the organization when Iran was one of its founding signatories.

This year’s UN Day was used to highlight concrete actions people can take to help achieve the SDGs

Among the attendees at the UN Day celebration were government officials, UN partners, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the media and UN staff working in Iran

In line with this, Mr. Lewis read out the message from UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon: “Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet.”

Sharing his own reflections, Mr. Lewis went on to say: “On a personal note – and after having worked for three decades in the UN – I believe that through the adoption of the SDGs, human beings now – finally – have a meaningful set of objectives which represent the fullest, most complete plan yet to sustain our future on this fragile, endangered planet.”

Mr. Lewis also used the opportunity to thank the UN Iran staff – and the family members who also provide support – for their effort and hard work in order to make the lives of Iranians safer, healthier and more empowered.

The UN Resident Coordinator concluded his remarks by reading a famous Persian poem by Sa’adi – which symbolically, hangs large at the entrance of the UN Headquarters in New York.  “Sa’adi’s words,” Mr. Lewis said, “in their own way, serve as a motto for the United Nations – and for the interdependence of mankind regardless of social barriers and ethnic distinctions.”

The poem, in English, reads as follows:

Human beings are members of a whole,

In creation of one essence and soul.

If one member is afflicted with pain,

Other members uneasy will remain.

If you’ve no sympathy for human pain,

The name of human you cannot retain.

Speaking at the event, Vice-President Ebtekar said “Overcoming terrorism and extremism in the region is a prerequisite to achieving sustainable development.  Iran is committed to press ahead with the implementation of the SDGs.  Iran has had a SDGs committee for two decades and all relevant ministries have been tasked with plans to implement.”

Madam Ebtekar then made reference to two environmental achievements, namely the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Agreement on Ozone Layer.  In this regard she said: “The agreements invite people to put aside their greed and selfishness in order to save the environment.  No country is an isolated land, we live on the same ship and have common destiny and need to change our living and consumption trends.”

Dr. Araghchi also spoke at the event and stated: “The landmark of the international community in Paris last year, striking a balanced agreement on climate change while devising the new sets of development targets called SDGs is a milestone for the world.”

Dr. Araghchi added: “The consensus by the international community on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development with 17 main goals and 169 targets manifests an unprecedented strive to revive eradication of poverty and to reemphasize on the three main pillars of economic growth, social development and protection of environment.  The agenda can be a firm basis for partnership and cooperation at global level to pursue more welfare and better capacity building especially for more poor segments of the society.”

A video highlighting the importance of SDGs and achieving them was also screened at the ceremony.  This video included special messages recorded for UN Iran from Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Eliasson, UN Development Group Chair and UNDP Administrator, Ms. Helen Clark.

Following the conclusion of the formal ceremony, the attendees also had a chance to engage in conversation with UN staff at the exhibition which was assembled outside the hall which showcased the work of the UN agencies, funds and programmes which are operating in Iran.

Following the conclusion of the formal ceremony, the attendees also had a chance to engage in conversation with UN staff.