SPEECH BY NANCY KAIZILEGE,UNA SECRETARY GENERAL AT THE OFFICIAL FLAG RAISING CEREMONY ON UN DAY AT KARIMJEE HALL ON THURSDAY 24TH

OCTOBER 2013 Your Excellency, Hon. Khamis Kagasheki, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E Khalfan Juma Mpango Excellency, Alberic Kacou, Resident Coordinator of the UN system in Tanzania Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Country Representatives of the UN Agencies, Highly esteemed Religious leaders of the denominations present, Representatives of Civil Society and the Youth, Members of the Press, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, All protocol observed, A very good morning to you all. Today, 68 years ago, the UN Charter was officially enacted. From the 50 countries that came together to sign the first UN Charter in 1945, now 193 countries stand strong in unison through this commitment to address pertinent global issues such as poverty and hunger, to further human development and contribute to advancing sustainable growth especially where it has mattered most. The UN s role in sustaining economic and social development is most relevant now, in the light of increasingly destructive and more sophisticated threats to peace and security; growing levels of empowerment of vulnerable groups; record figures of civic engagement; and heightened public awareness on development objectives and processes. Indeed, the argument for this only international organization with universal membership remains exceptionally strong. Honourable Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, To whom much is given, much is expected. As the UN Association of Tanzania turns 50 next year, we are proud of the work that we continue to do to further the principals and ideals of the United Nations in Tanzania. We are humbled by the unyielding support of our partners, the United Nations in Tanzania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. We do not take lightly the responsibility that is upon us to maintain an effectual momentum in building and nurturing a peoples movement for a stronger and more effective United Nations in Tanzania.
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The work of the United Nations Association of Tanzania has also evolved with the times and into its next era, new and creative methods of outreach, innovative tools for engagement and enhanced synergies in processes that further human rights, peace and security specifically in the Great Lakes, health, energy and climate change; and increased civic engagement in the MDGs and the Post 2015 process are at the forefront of our priorities. UNA Tanzania is also particularly proud of the tireless work that our youth section, the Youth of the United Nations, continues to do in leading the processes that amplify the voices of the youth and implement programmes that ensure that the youth are indeed taking the lead of their own choices for growth/development today. This has largely been possible with the support of the UN, particularly through projects such as in the Post 2015 youth consultation process, the National Model UN Assembly and the recent unprecedented EARMUN that brought together youth from over ten countries in East, Central and Southern Africa to develop a common vision and a resolution on climate change and energy justice, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norwegian Embassy and the UN. In all, UNA Tanzania remains dedicated to continue playing the vital role of bringing the thoughts and concerns of the civil society it represents to forums and platforms that engage the people, UN and Member States. Honourable Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I hear you are happiest at 68-with the least regrets and most fulfilment of your greatest achievements. At 68, there is not much that can rattle you as you have supposedly seen it all-the good and the bad. However, very little could have prepared us for the vile and senseless massacre of innocent people by terrorists at the Westgate Mall on 21st-24th September 2013. There is not much that could have prepared us for the abject annihilation and suffering of hundreds of innocent civilians, women and children in Syria. Nor is there much that could have prepared us for the horrific and misdirected attack by armed rebels on the UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) convoy on the morning of the 13th July 2013 that killed and left 7 Tanzanian families without their fathers. At 68, we have mourned our losses and continue to honour the memories of battles not won but in conciliation, are confident in the knowledge and skills developed through the experience and reinvention of strategies through practice to handle the most tremulous of situations and such deploring acts of retribution. Honourable Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Against the backdrop of new resolve for a more inclusive and holistic approach to development planning for meaningful results, it is time for less talk and more action. At 68, the United Nations has proved itself and now member states need to step up to the plate and fulfil their promises.

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At 68, there is no excuse to lack the political will to make the decisions that will save millions of lives. At 68, there is no justification for not being a part of processes that give vast populations access to basic services that provide them with the hope to survive and the chance to live with dignity. At 68, there is no defence in signing to commit to a global action plan for change and then fall short of targets that you willingly signed up to. At 68, there is no justice in inaction to be part of a movement that puts food on the table and roofs over the heads of thousands of people for whom, development is not a gamble but their only option. For even at 68, your decision to act for this majority only remains a matter of life and death. Thank you for your kind attention.

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