Category Archives: Press Releases

The Centre issues selected press statements and documents of the UN system from time to time. Often the press releases contain the messages from the Secretary-General on UN Days and the news about some resolutions/conventions adopted by the General Assembly. Press releases of last twelve issues are available at the website.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2016

idpd-logo-rev-4-300Ten years ago this month, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  One of the most widely ratified international human rights instruments, with 169Parties, the Convention has spurredsignificant progress in commitment and action for equality, inclusion and empowerment around the world, with disability being increasingly incorporated into the global human rights and development agendas.

This year, United Nations Member States have embarked on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our blueprint for peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all on a healthy planet.  With its 17 interdependent Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda is based on a pledge to leave no one behind.  Achieving this requires the full inclusion and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development. Continue reading

United Nations Day Symposium organized in city

rc-aiDhaka, 29 October 2016: In celebration of UN Day, a symposium was organized by UN Association of Bangladesh at CIRDAP Auditorium on 29 October 2016. Mr. Kamrul Ahsan, Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral and Consular) graced the occassion as chief guest and Ms. Argentina Matavel Piccin, the UN Resident Coordinator, a.i in Bangladesh spoke as guest of honour. The key-note paper was presented by eminent historian Prof. Syed Anwar Hossain while the President of UNAB Justice Kazi Ebadul Hoque presided over the function. The Bangla translated version of UN Secretary-General’s Message on the Day was read-out by UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman and it was distributed among the participants. Hon’ble Former Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament Col. (retd.) Shawkat Ali, MP was present in the seminar. The government officials, members of civil societies and NGOs, youth representatives and academicians participated in the symposium. The speakers focused on the history of the United Nations and urged the stakeholders to come forward to ensure peace and development as well as to work for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – SDGs. UNAB Secretary-General Porf Syed Mohammad Shahed moderated the session.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on United Nations Day, 24 Oct 2016

featured-image-messagesThis year’s observance of United Nations Day occurs at a time of transition for the world and for the United Nations.

Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet.

The world is also moving at long last beyond the mindset which viewed the burning of fossil fuels as the path to prosperity.  At a time of record heat, Member States have embraced the Paris Agreement on climate change in record time.  This landmark measure will enter into force on 4 November.  Across that historic threshold lies our best chance for greener, cleaner, low-carbon growth. Continue reading

Model UN Conference 2016 in Rajshahi University

untitled-1  Rajshahi, Thursday, 29 September 2016: With the partnership of UNIC Dhaka, UN Youth and Student Association of Bangladesh (UNYSAB) organized a four-day long Model UN Conference 2016 in Rajshahi University during 29 Sep to 2 Oct 2016. More than 300 delegates from different educational institutions took part in the UN simulation.  The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Md Mizanur Rahman, Associate Professor and Student Adviser of Rajshahi University, M. Moniruzzaman, Officer-in-Charge of UNIC Dhaka and former Student Adviser Prof Md. Sadequl Arephin Matin while UNYSAB President Mamun Mia chaired the session. UNIC Officer-in-Charge has urged the young leaders to come forward to play their role in achieving SDGs, he said, the youth leaders have the opportunity to contribute in building nations. Continue reading

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on the International Day of Non-Violence: 2 October 2016

gunEvery year on the International Day of Non-Violence, we re-commit ourselves to the cause of peace, as exemplified by the life of Mahatma Gandhi who was born on this day 147 years ago.

We know that a culture of non-violence begins with respect for others, but it does not end there.  To nurture peace, we must respect nature.  I am pleased this year’s International Day of Non-Violence puts the focus on sustainability and the environment.

In all he did, Gandhi honoured our obligation to all living things.  He reminded us that “Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.”   Gandhi also challenged us to “be the change we wish to see in the world”. Continue reading

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Video Message for Eid Al-Adha

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonNew York, 12 September 2016:

Assalam Alaikum. Eid al-Adha is a celebration of sacrifice for the common good, family and community, and compassion and solidarity with the least amongst us. At a time when societies face complex challenges — violent conflict, displacement, division – let us draw on our common humanity to build a better world for all.  I wish all Muslims around the world a blessed and peaceful Eid.  Eid Mubarak.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Literacy Day: 8 September 2016

173378This year, the world the world has embarked on implementing the ambitious and transformational 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  With its 17 universal, integrated and interdependent Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda is an action plan for people, planet, partnership and peace.

Literacy stands at heart of the 2030 Agenda.  It is a foundation for human rights, gender equality, and sustainable societies.  It essential to all our efforts to end extreme poverty and promote well-being for all people.  That is why the Sustainable Development Goals aim for universal access to quality education and learning opportunities throughout people’s lives.

One of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 is to ensure that all young people achieve literacy and numeracy and that a substantial proportion of adults who lack these skills are given the opportunity to acquire them. Continue reading

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2016

featured-image-sgmessageA record 130 million people are dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive.  Grouped together, these people in need would comprise the tenth most populous nation on Earth.

These figures are truly staggering, yet they tell only a fraction of the story.  Hidden behind the statistics are individuals, families and communities whose lives have been devastated.  People no different to you and me: children, women and men who face impossible choices every day.  They are parents who must choose between buying food or medicine for their children; children who must choose between school or working to support their families; families who must risk bombing at home or a perilous escape by sea.

The solutions to the crises that have plunged these people into such desperate hardship are neither simple nor quick.  But there are things we can all do – today, and every day.  We can show compassion, we can raise our voices against injustice, and we can work for change. Continue reading

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on International Youth Day 2016

featured-image-sgmessageThe world’s young people – who make up the largest generation of youth in history – can lead a global drive to break the patterns of the past and set the world on course to a more sustainable future. Young people are directly affected by the tragic contradictions that prevail today: between abject poverty and ostentatious wealth, gnawing hunger and shameful food waste, rich natural resources and polluting industries. Youth can deliver solutions on these issues, which lie at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In this first year of that15-year plan for a healthier, safer and more just future, we count on the active engagement of the world’s young people to transform the production and consumption of goods and services so they meet the basic needs and aspirations of the world’s poorest people without overburdening already strained ecosystems. Continue reading