70th Anniversary of UDHR: Human Rights Day Celebration – Short Film Festival, Discussion and Drama

Dhaka, 9 December 2018: To mark the Human Rights Day and 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the United Nations in Bangladesh in association with Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS), with support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the German government, organized a two-day long “Human Rights Short Film Festival 2018” from 8 to 9 December 2018 at Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium, Dhaka. The theme of the festival is “Finding Bangladesh and South Asia in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 70 years later”.

On 9 December 2018, H.E. Mr. Peter Fahrenholtz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangladesh, Ms. Mia Seppo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, and Mr. Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Film maker, Mr. Sanjeeb Drong, Representative of Bangladesh Human Rights Forum, Mr. Aung Rakhine, Film maker, and Rashedul Hafiz, Lifetime Member, Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) graced the closing and the award giving ceremony of the film festival. They also joined a panel discussion on “Promoting and protecting human rights through film and other media – celebrating the 70th anniversary of the UDHR” with. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Abdul Quayum, Associate Editor, Prothom Alo.  Continue reading →

UN Serceretary-General’s Message on Human Rights Day 10 December 2018

For 70 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a global beacon – shining a light for dignity, equality and well-being … and bringing hope to dark places.

The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone — no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind.

Human rights are universal and eternal.

They are also indivisible. One cannot pick and choose among civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Today we also honour the human rights defenders risking their lives to protect people in the face of rising hatred, racism, intolerance and repression.

Indeed, human rights are under siege around the world.

Universal values are being eroded. The rule of law is being undermined.

Now more than ever, our shared duty is clear:

Let us stand up for human rights — for everyone, everywhere.

16 Days Activism in Bangladesh: #Hear Me Too

Dhaka, Tuesday 27 November 2018: 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2018, UN Bangladesh organized a day-long events at UN Office premises at IDB Bhaban on 27 November 2018.

The events include oath taking of UN staff members led by UNRC, flying balloons, experience sharing by champions, photo session, street drama  #HereMeToo. Mia Seppo, UNRC in Bangladesh opened the session when a number UN heads of agencies and UN staff members were present. The events were facilitated by UN Gender Thematic Group (GETG) and the UN Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG).

Message of Mia Seppo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh on United Nations Day 2018

It is my honor to celebrate the UN Day in Bangladesh, a country with an interesting development story to share with the world.

During MDG era, Bangladesh was among the frontrunners in bringing girls to school and achieving gender parity in both primary and secondary education, through specific public interventions focusing on girls.

Bangladesh was the first country to frame a progressive Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan in 2009 and subsequently followed the spirit of the Sendai Framework to develop national and local level disaster risk reduction plans.

In its journey as a nation, the UN has been Bangladesh’s proud and trusted partner.

In the global arena, Bangladesh continues to substantively contribute to the peace and development agenda as one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping troops; a lead proponent of the Global Compact for Migration; and by taking proactive roles in G77 and executive boards of UN funds and programmes. Continue reading →

MESSAGE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES FOR UN DAY, 24 OCTOBER 2018

It gives me great pleasure to wish the people and Government of Bangladesh, and all United Nations staff working hand-in-hand with their Bangladeshi counterparts, a very happy United Nations Day.

United Nations Day marks the birthday of our founding Charter – the landmark document that embodies the hopes, dreams and aspirations of “we the peoples”.

Every day, the women and men of the United Nations work to give practical meaning to that Charter.

Despite the odds and the obstacles, we never give up.

Extreme poverty is being reduced but we see inequality growing.

Yet we don’t give up because we know by reducing inequality we increase hope and opportunity and peace around the world.

Climate change is moving faster than we are, but we don’t give up because we know that climate action is the only path.

Human rights are being violated in so many places. But we don’t give up because we know respect for human rights and human dignity is a basic condition for peace.

Conflicts are multiplying – people are suffering. But we don’t give up because we know every man, woman and child deserves a life of peace.

Bangladesh continues to make important contributions to our work, notably as a leading contributor of troops to United Nations peacekeeping and in opening the country’s borders to provide shelter and life-saving assistance to more than one million Rohingya refugees at their time of dire need.

On United Nations Day, let us reaffirm our commitment.
To repair broken trust.
To heal our planet.
To leave no one behind.
To uphold dignity for one and all, as united nations.

UN Day Celebration: Rally, Panel Discussion, Quiz and Art Contest

Dhaka, 23 October 2018: In observance of UN Day, UNIC Dhaka jointly with Dhakabasi Organization and National Federation of Youth Organizations of Bangladesh organized a panel discussion, quiz contest, art contest and rally at Central Public Library auditorium/premises. Prof Dr Muhammad Samad, Pro-Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka opened the art contest as chief guest. The events were focused on Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh. The speakers including chief guest, president of Dhakabashi organization, local community leaders and UNIC National Information Officer spoke on role of young people to implement SDGs in Bangladesh. The school students took part in the events and prizes were awarded among the winners of art and quiz contests. A rally was organized with the participation of students.

UN Day Art Contest and Panel Discussion at Academia School

Dhaka, 22 October 2018:  In celebration of UN Day, a panel discussion and art contest on UN and SDGs was organized at Academia School auditorium. The Panelists were Ms. Sarwat Zeb, Chairperson, Academia and Ms. Touhida Sultana, Vice Principal, Academia, M. Aktaruzzaman, Country Manager UN-Habitat, Aktar Uddin Program Analyst, UN Volunteer Bangladesh, Santu Saha, Artist and M. Moniruzzaman, National Information Officer, UNIC Dhaka. The event was arranged under the coordination of UN Communication and Advocacy Group and organized by UNIC and Academia. The panelists focused on engagement of youth in implementation of SDGs in Bangladesh. Youth volunteerism can play an important role in developing community and society. An art contest on Sustainable Development Goals was organized with the participation of young students. UNIC Dhaka distributed prizes among the winners. The students took part in question answer session. Knowledge products and promotional materials were distributed among all the participants.

Message of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the International Day of Non-Violence 2 October 2018

On the International Day of Non-Violence, we recognize the enduring vision and wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, whose birthday we also celebrate today.

At a time of protracted conflicts and complex challenges, Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence remains an inspiration. At the United Nations, a world free of violence — and the resolution of differences through non-violent means — is at the core of our work.

At a time when inequality is on the rise and a fair globalization is an imperative, we also recall Gandhi’s commitment to social justice.

And in a period when the world is striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, ensure gender equality and leave no one behind, Gandhi’s commitment to human dignity can light our path. Continue reading →

Lecture session on SDGs, UN Structure and functions, and Volunteerism

Dhaka, 19 September 2018: UNIC Dhaka has organized a lecture session on SDGs, volunteerism and humanitarian activities for the young students of Dhaka University at UNIC meeting room on 19 September 2018. The Country Focal Point of UNV Bangladesh Aktar Uddin spoke on the occasion on volunteerism and volunteer career opportunities for young people of Bangladesh while UNIC National Information Officer highlighted on SDGs and structure, function and humanitarian activities of United Nations. The various services of UN Information Centre also described before the students. The students took part in question answer session. A UN video song on humanitarian works was screened before the audiences.

BANMUN 2018 organized with the theme of “Ensuring Quality Education for Sustainable Future and Global Citizenship”

Dhaka: 22 September 2018: In partnership with United Nations and with the knowledge support of UNIC Dhaka, UN Youth and Students Association Bangladesh (Unysab) organized a three-day long Model UN Conference – DUNMUN 2018 during 20 to 22 September at Daffodil International University auditorium. The theme of the BANMUN 2018 – “Ensuring Quality Education for Sustainable Future and Global Citizenship”. The theme was chosen considering the youth as change agent in achieving SDGs. In the opening ceremony, UNDP Operations Manager Ms Sonia Mehzabeen, on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, spoke as special guest while Treasurer of Daffodil Int’l University spoke as guest of honour. In her speech, Ms Mehzabeen focused on quality education and youth leadership skills. In the closing ceremony, among others the panelists were Kazi Ali Reza, CEO, Centre for Ethics Education CEE) in Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, M. Moniruzzaman, National Information Officer of UNIC Dhaka, Dr Syed Shaikh Imtiaz, UNYSAB Trustee Chair and Associate Professor, Dept of Women and Gender Studies, DU, UNYSAB President Mamun Mia, Prof Dr Farhana Helal Mehtab, Associate Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. The speakers highlighted on the potential of young population and their contribution in the society.There were eleven committees in Banmun and a total of 300 delegates from different schools and colleges took part in the conference. UNIC provided with UN educational and promotional materials to all delegates. UNIC NIO spoke on importance MUN to enhance leadership quality and to develop communication skill.