KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala congratulates the UN on the 76th anniversary of its founding Charter

Today on 24 October as the world marks United Nations Day, we join millions in remembering this day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force.

UN Day is an annual celebration which enters its 76th year,and provides an opportunity to amplify our common agenda and to reaffirm the guiding principles of the UN Charter.

With the global threat of the Covid-19 in view, the theme for this year’s UN anniversary is: “Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity: A symbol of hope for global unity”.

The main celebration was held at the General Assembly Hall of the Organization, in New York, the headquarters of the UN following week- long celebrations.

“It will be recalled that we marked Heritage Day 2021 by entering into a momentous Memorandum of Understanding with the UN, an agreement that solidifies our relations with the world body. We are very pleased that the UN chose the beautiful city of Durban to celebrate this important day on 23 October 2021. South Africa’s UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas last night hosted a gala dinner at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre with Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma giving the keynote address,” said Premier Zikalala.

There were riveting performances by the internationally acclaimed Clermont Choir, vocalist Nonzwakazi, the KCAP artists from KwaMashu, comedian Simphiwe Shembe and Legacy, the youthful offshoot of the Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

“We would like to congratulate the UN on this special day, the coming into force of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945. This was a significant time coming as it marked the end of the Second World War, and the reestablishment of the force and effect of multilateralism in global politics. Some 76 years later, the province of KZN is pleased to have signed an MOU with the UN to collaborate on our provincial efforts of building enduring peace and advancing sustainable development where no one is left behind, said Premier Zikalala.

“As KwaZulu-Natal we are pleased to be working closely with the UN as we rebuild following the Covid-19 pandemic and the civil unrest in July. On behalf of our Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, we congratulate the UN on this important milestone as a centre of global governance. We look forward to working together with the UN and our sister and diplomat Ms Bekele-Thomas, the Resident Coordinator in addressing our own challenges and laying the foundation for a better future” said Premier Zikalala.

The UN-KZN MoU is linked to the Provincial Priorities, the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) which are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2025, co-led by our government and the UN.

Its Implementation Framework is structured around the following catalytic interventions:

▪ Inclusive Growth and Job Creation;

▪ Building Human Capabilities;

▪ Effective, efficient, and transformative governance;

▪ Climate Resilience and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources.

 

“Again we convey our messages of congratulations to Ms. Bekele -Thomas and her colleagues in the UN system on this anniversary, and we look forward to working together here in KwaZulu-Natal on matters of common interest for the creation of a better world for all,” concluded Premier Zikalala.

ENDS

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.For enquiries, contact KZN Provincial Government Communications Head, Lenox Mabaso on 082 884 2403 or KZN Premier Media Liaison Gugu Sisilana on 082 889 3474