Peace, development and human rights: UN Day 2023 emphasises the core values of the UN Charter

Annually, United Nations (UN) is celebrated on 24 October. The day marks the entry into force of the UN Charter.

On UN day and during the month of October, Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator and Heads of Agencies, Funds and Programmes engaged stakeholders, including private sector and the media, and UN staff to reflect on the UN System’s contributions towards peace, development, and human rights in Guyana.

Media engagements

The UN Country Team hosted a media editors' breakfast, which also included the participation of the Guyana Press Association. The UN Resident Coordinator updated the media on the results of the UN System's work in the country. This annual engagement sought to strengthen relations with the leadership of media entities, recognising the vital role of the media as advocates for the sustainable development agenda in Guyana. 

On UN Day, the UN Resident Coordinator also conducted public outreaches via television and radio appearances. Her message to the public placed emphasis on the pillars on which the UN Charter was built - peace, development and human rights. Ms. Oruç said, “…it is ultimately the actions of people and of countries that uphold the UN – the only global organization which belongs to all nations, to all people.”

She updated on Guyana’s recent Voluntary National Review (VNR), which showcased the country’s achievements made to advance key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs 6 - expanded access to water and sanitation, 7 - sustainable energy production and consumption, 9 - investments in infrastructure, 11- affordable housing, and 17 - international cooperation. She said these achievements were “…spurred by programs and policies bolstered by an ‘SDG enabling’ budgetary framework.”

During the month, an engagement with the private sector was also held in the form of an SDG partnership forum. Delivering the feature address, Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce said the private sector is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Guyana. She stated that the Government prioritises attaining the SDGs to secure broad-based economic growth and development. She added that SDGs are integrated into various programmes in the national budget.

The UN in Guyana also hosted two special events to show appreciation to its staff. A townhall, held on 24 October, helped to reinforce the importance of the UN system in driving the national development agenda and a staff games day, held on 27 October, added an element of fun and competition.

To close UN month Guyana's Human Resources Working Group hosted a health fair on 31 October. This activity helped to promote the significance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The fair provided essential health services, including dental care, vision screening, medical consultations, and nutritional consultations. The National Blood Transfusion Service was also on site and led a blood drive, further emphasising the UN System's commitment to promoting good health and well-being.