Health

UN says the celebration of its 77th anniversary with “Walk the Talk’’ is aimed at promoting good health and need for peaceful co-existence globally.

Dr Walter Kazadi, Country Representative, WHO Nigeria, said this in Abuja on Saturday during the walk the talk peace awareness exercise.

He said that the theme of the day is “The UN and Nigeria: partnership for peace, prosperity and sustainable development”.

Kazadi said the day was being celebrated on every October 24 which the agencies intended to start with a healthy activity called ‘walk the talk’.

“We are celebrating the 77th anniversary of UN system which was established as an aftermath of the Second World War.

“It is a collective commitment for member states to avoid war and the consequences that we saw during the second world war.

“It was also established to put a mechanism for lasting peace, solidarity and mutual cooperation so that all the nations will avoid what happened during the war,’’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria has supported development initiatives for her people and has been an active partner in global multilateralism.

Kazadi said that Nigeria was an active member of the UN and over the years has made significant contributions to peacekeeping operations.

He said that there would be an exhibition to showcase the works of the UN agencies on Monday at the green lawn, UN House.

“All agencies need to ensure there is balanced equilibrium between maintaining peace and balanced right to health.

“Without peace and good health, there will be no development,’’ he said.

Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative to ECOWAS said the country was faced with very difficult issues which are poverty and certain level of food insecurity.

Kazuyoshi said that the walk was an event to show solidarity in order to make concerted efforts to overcome all kinds of difficult issues.

“This walk will show the world that there is hope for better future,’’ he said.

Mr James Christoff, High Commissioner, Canada High Commission said the walk was an opportunity to unite with colleagues from the international community and the UN community, in solidarity to promote peace.

“I am very happy to be here today. I could not think of a better way to celebrate not just the day, but to unite with my colleagues.

“This will give us the opportunity to show the importance of cooperation in making the world a better place,’’ Christoff said. (NAN)

A.I

Tags: