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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
Ghana marked the 78th United Nations (UN) Day with a flag-raising ceremony under the theme “Accelerating Action Towards the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda: Ghana’s Contributions for a Peaceful, Prosperous, Progressive and a Sustainable Future”.
During the ceremony, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey stated that the global theme for the 78th United Nations celebration which is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all” encapsulates the essential ideals of peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability which are necessary for the survival of humanity and can be realised largely through solidarity in an atmosphere of trust.
Hon. Ayorkor. Botchwey indicated that “the President of the Republic continues to show commitment by leading the charge for renewed and inclusive multilateralism at the United Nations Security Council level, where he advocated the representativeness of the Security Council, comprehensive and broad-based preventive diplomacy as well as global level multilateralism with regional partnerships”.
The Minister further noted that, despite the adverse effects of global challenges on the country, Ghana has made gains in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To confront global challenges, the Minister urged stakeholders to cooperate with each other by working for peace and prosperity while making use of technological innovation for progress and sustainability.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, in his remarks, commended Ghana for continuously acknowledging and honouring the past and celebrating the future of the United Nations both domestically and internationally. He further commended Ghana for demonstrating great leadership in the pursuit of conflict prevention, post conflict reconstruction, strengthening of governance, enhancing global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development particularly on the African continent.
Mr. Abani stated that the theme for this year’s celebration “reminds us that accelerating action towards the Sustainable Development Goals is critical if we are to create a future of peace, prosperity, and sustainability”. In line with the Cooperation Framework agreement which was signed with Ghana this year, Mr. Abani reiterated the United Nations commitment to stand with Ghana on its forward-looking ambition to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063. On the country’s upcoming elections in 2024, Mr. Abani assured that the UN will continue to support Ghana’s electoral process to promote inclusive, transparent, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people and contribute to peace and stability in Ghana.
A representative of the Ghana United Nations Students and Youth Association (GUNSA), Mr. King George Amuaben, noted that in spite of the global challenges the world is facing, the global youth, with their unbridled enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and boundless potential, are at the forefront of shaping the solutions to these challenges.
Mr. Amuaben stated that “we must commit ourselves to providing the youth with the tools and opportunities they need to make their voices heard and to effect positive change”. He further urged all stakeholders to support the youth in their education, encourage their entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure their voices are integral in decision-making processes at all levels. “Our world must become a platform where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of where they were born or the circumstances they were born into” he added.
The ceremony which was followed by a photo exhibition of Ghana’s contributions to the United Nations was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Security Agencies, United Nations Office in Ghana, officials of stakeholder Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as some students.
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