Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement by Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative in Tanzania Mariam Khan

AT THE UN ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL ON 22ND FEBRUARY 2014

22 February 2013

Ms. Nancy Kaizilege, Secretary General, United Nations Association in Tanzania, Your Excellencies Ambassadors, Distinguished guests, Dear Colleagues, Members of the Media, Youth of the UN Association of Tanzania, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me first take this opportunity to thank the UNA Tanzania for inviting me to be the Guest of Honor at this very important time in history of the UN Association of Tanzania and the country at large. On behalf of the United Nations in Tanzania, I am very pleased to witness the organization turning 50. It is not a small achievement to have reached the milestone that you have and I commend you all-the founders, the partners, the leaders and most of all, the members. Congratulations. UNA Tanzania turns 50 at a time when there is critical conversation and accelerated action to achieve a world of prosperity, equity, freedom, dignity and peace. This offers us the opportunity to reinforce our thoughts, plans and action for this desired vision. Tanzania has been in the forefront of the development process when it comes to the Post 2015 Agenda. I commend a good work by the youth in Tanzania under your leadership on the role played in the debate on Post 2015 Agenda. I am happy to inform you today that your comments were wellreceived and incorporated on the Agenda. United Nations recognizes the populous group of youth in Tanzania, which is currently over 60 per cent. This indicates that you are not only contributing your great ideas rather you are the implementers of the Post 2015 Agenda. UN Tanzania will continue to support your great ideas.

I would like to update you on the Post 2015 Agenda; the second round of consultation is underway and among key issues on the table for discussion and decision includes: Localizing the Post 2015 Agenda Strengthening National Institutions Monitoring and Evaluation Looking at the means of Financing. The United Nations Association should indeed continue to actively participate in the said consultation. UN Tanzania will continue to support the association by all means possible towards sustainable development. Youth is a key priority for the UN Secretary General. In this regard The UN SG has appointed an Envoy Mr Ahmed Alhendawi to support a wide approach programming focusing on youth. And, as part of the UN Delivering as One there is enhanced coordination and harmonization among UN agencies to support youth programmes. In Tanzania the UNs efforts is focused on : a) employment and entrepreneurship; b) civic engagement; c) Political inclusion , d) Education and e) Health. The UN is also involved in initiating national co-ordination forum on youth and development with Ministry Information, Youth, Culture and Sports. Ladies and gentlemen, Today you set the pace of your own vision and action for the next three years by launching your strategic plan that prioritizes the Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda; Democracy, Good Governance and Human Rights; and Organizational Development. I commend this move and your efforts so far to uplift the significance, professionalism and efficiency of the organization in delivering its mission. The United Nations Association of Tanzania should indeed set the standards that all other organizations need to follow. This includes transparency and total inclusiveness in whatever you are doing.

Today, I bring with me the message for you to remain relevant, proactive and vigilant to the cause that impacts the lives of so many and nurtures a peoples movement for the greater good. It is UNA Tanzania that will bring together various stakeholders; the civil society, government, business and the youth in Tanzania to achieve the common global vision for a safer, more equitable and just world. I also hope that you will continue to grow the platform that brings together these important actors together to lead action and dialogue on policy reforms and development processes. The UN in Tanzania is especially proud to have been by your side through these decades and pledges to continue to support you and the important work that you do for a stronger and more effective United Nations. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all fruitful deliberations and reiterate my assurances for a progressive and sustained partnership going forward. Thank you.