Commemorating the 79th United Nations Day in Zambia

Commemorating the 79th UN Zambia Commemorates 79th UN Anniversary

On 31 October 2024, about 200 guests attended a memorable celebration of 
79 years since the founding of the United Nations (UN) on the ashes of the Second World war to try and forge a new way forward in ensuring global peace and security. The event, held in Lusaka under the auspices of the UN in Zambia, also commemorated 60 years of partnership between Zambia and the UN as the intergovernmental organization started operating in the country in 1964. 

As guests who included diplomats, youth, women, UN staff, academics, Persons with Disabilities, private sector representatives, academia and journalists arrived, they were welcomed by the UN Resident Coordinator and members of the UN Country Team, drawn from the 24 Agencies, Funds and Programs currently operating in Zambia. The warm and inviting ambiance and music set a relaxing and inclusive tone that allowed the guests who reflected the diverse partners that the UN in Zambia works with, to network and connect with ease.

The evening commenced with video message from the UN Secretary General 
Mr. António Guterres on the 2024 UN Day. This was followed by an insightful presentation by Professor Bizeck Phiri, a renowned Historian from the University of Zambia who looked at Zambia-UN relations over the last 60 years, tracing moments of collaboration, growth, and shared challenges. 

Professor Phiri illustrated how Zambia and the UN had worked together to tackle pressing issues such as peace and security, health, education, and economic development, underscoring how the partnership had shaped the country's progress. He also noted Zambia’s strong support to UN peacekeeping operations globally since 1982 and recent UN assistance to Zambia in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and drought emergency that the country faced.

The presentation was followed by a Zambia UN Communications Group-produced 10-minute video https://youtu.be/HWqW8DW-A58, that explained the milestones of Zambia’s 60-year journey with the UN. From archival footage of Zambia’s earliest participation in the UN to recent joint initiatives, the video stirred reflection among the audience. 

Featuring two of Zambia’s former Ambassadors to the United Nations - Dr. Vernon Johnson Mwaanga (1968 -1972) and Mr. Lazarous Kapambwe (2007 -2012) - the video captured key moments, such as Zambia's choice of 24 October as the day of independence, the country’s efforts in the liberation of other countries in Africa led by its First President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who was aided by other African leaders at the time such as Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and advocacy for peace and development.

The Honorable Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Elvis Nkandu, MP, was the evening's Guest of Honor. In his speech, the Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the UN and reflected on the country's journey and the shared values that have united Zambia and the UN since independence. The Minister applauded the UN’s contributions across various sectors and expressed hope for an even stronger partnership in future.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter and to the ideals that have guided our friendship with the United Nations through our first six decades of independence. Let me assure you that the Republic of Zambia values and appreciates the support of the United Nations in Zambia,” he said.

Earlier, the UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms Beatrice Mutali emphasized the UN’s dedication to supporting Zambia’s aspirations for sustainable development, peace, and prosperity delivered through the Zambia-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. 

“Since joining the UN in 1964, Zambia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace, stability, and diplomacy….The UN remains committed to supporting Zambia’s Vision 2030, aligning our Cooperation Framework with the Eight National Development Plan, that is 87 percent aligned to the SDGs,” Ms Mutali said.

The commemorative event was anchored by Eunice Mwenya and Makondo Mukando as Masters of Ceremonies while Becky Chanteuse provided musical performances as guests mingled and viewed an evocative photo exhibition showcasing iconic images of Zambia’s current President and all the past heads of state at the UN or in meetings with different UN Secretaries-General. The photographs captured pivotal moments in Zambia’s history and its engagement with the international community, reminding guests of the country’s long-standing commitment to global cooperation and peace. 

About UN Day:

UN Day commemorates the founding of the United Nations on 24 October 1945. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and impact of the UN worldwide, while underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

With the ratification of the UN Charter (the founding document of the UN) by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.