By Hannah Dadzie
The United Nations, [UN] has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to global peace, cooperation and the protection of human rights, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the UN, begins a weeklong commemoration of UN at 80.
Speaking after a health walk in Accra, held as part of activities marking the anniversary, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, highlighted the core values that have guided the UN for the past eight decades.
Mr. Choudhury underscored the importance of international solidarity, sustainable development, and the inherent dignity of every individual principles that remain central to the UN’s mission in addressing today’s global challenges.
As part of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations under the theme; Ghana and the UN- shared responsibility for a better tomorrow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office in Ghana jointly organized a health walk through the principal streets of Accra, covering a total distance of 6.2 kilometers.
The walk, which began at the forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre, drew hundreds of participants, including personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and the Ghana National Fire Service. `
Staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations officials, partner organizations and the media also joined the event. The exercise was to raise awareness about the critical role the United Nations plays in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development.
UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, highlighted the organisation’s continuous efforts in maintaining international peace and security. He said the UN is commitment to making the world a safer and more just place for all.
“One of the reasons why the UN was created, was to maintain peace where there have been conflict. Ghana has contributed significantly to peacekeeping missions around the world through its police and armed forces”. He said
Mr. Choudhury underscored that the United Nations remains committed to working with governments, civil society, and people around the world to ensure peace, dignity, and human rights for everyone.
“Over the years, the United Nations has worked with governments and people around the world to promote peace and solidarity among nations, to ensure that everyone enjoys their human rights and live in dignity and peace.” The UN Resident Coordinator said
In a statement read on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Director of the Multilateral Relations Bureau at the Ministry, Akosua Okyere-Badoo expressed appreciation to participants for their involvement in the walk.
“This health walk, has been very good. And today we come together not only to commemorate 80 years of the United Nations service to humanity, but also to celebrate good health, solidarity, collective action, all of which lies in the heart of the UN’s mission. I express my sincere appreciation to the Ghana Prison Service for their joyful donation of bottled water for today’s walk and to the office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, for their generous sponsorship and continued partnership in commemorating this milestone.” Mrs Okyere-Badoo noted
She said the Ministry will continue to partner with the UN in delivering its mandate and promoting peace as a core pillar of Ghana’s foreign policy.
“The theme for this year’s commemoration, is a powerful reminder that progress is greatest when we act together. Just as the UN has worked tirelessly to promote peace, human rights, and development across the group, we too must unite in our efforts to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient community”; she added.
A Director at the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters and coordinator of the walk, Colonel Simeon Nyanteh, highlighted some of the successes achieved through Ghana’s collaboration with the UN, particularly in peacekeeping missions. He also announced that more commemorative activities will take place in the coming weeks as part of the UN@80 celebrations.
“We are ready to continue to support the country, represent the country and together ensure that the UN achieves its mission around the world. We are looking for a peaceful world, we are looking for a prosperous world, a world where all people can enjoy and live peacefully and together as countries of the world we can enjoy and be sure of the fact that we can have a prosperous future.” Colonel Nyanteh said
The event served not only as a demonstration of solidarity but also as a reminder of the importance of multilateral cooperation in building a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world. As the United Nations marks 80 years of global service, Ghana continues to stand as a proud partner in advancing the shared goals of peace, development, and human rights.
