October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948, and the day is an occasion to highlight and reflect on the work of the United Nation.
The celebration has become one of the biggest events of the year for the United Nations International School Hanoi, UNIS since its establishment in 1988. The day was also used to celebrate the anniversary under the deadline 25 Years of Learning to Inspire.
The day was celebrated with a flag parade by students dressed in their national costumes, artistic performances, and speeches were given by both students and the schools staff.
All the speakers emphasised the values the UN and UNIS stand for peace, friendship, respect, and cooperation.
Ms. Pratibha Mehta, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, was present and gave a speech where she talked about the benefits these students enjoy being part of an international environment, and their opportunities to apply this knowledge as global citizens for the benefit of all people.
The close cooperation between Vietnam as a host country and the UN, as well as the Vision Statement of UNIS Hanoi “Our learning community will be an inspirational role model for a better world” were conveyed by the Director General of the International co-operation department of the Ministry of education, Mr Tran Ba Viet Dzung.
He emphasised the role of UNIS as an inspirational role model for education. After the ceremony the celebration continued in the students’ classrooms where a variety of different traditional dishes from around the world were served.
The UN in Vietnam
The UN has been and continues to be essential to Norwegian efforts to promote the welfare, security and fundamental political values of Norwegian society. Globally, Norway is the world’s fourth largest contributor to the UN.
The Norwegian Minister of development, Mr Heikki Holmås, has emphasised the need for a stronger connection between results achieved and funding, and that the Norwegian aim is that the UN to function even more effectively. Vietnam is an important country for the UN reform and has demonstrated good results.
The UN in Vietnam works “as one” under the United Nations Country Team, consisting of all the UN agencies, funds and programmes in Viet Nam. UNCT works to support Vietnam in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and Vietnam’s own National Development Goals through a people-centered, rights-based approach to development as outlined in the One Plan.
Norway is also a major donor and supported of the UN in Vietnam, also through the One Plan 2012- 2016. The One Plan sets out a strategic and focused joint programme of work which will support Vietnam in addressing its development priorities over the next five years.
It outlines three broad focus areas: Support the Government to achieve inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth; access to quality essential services and social protection; and enhanced governance and participation.
For information about the UN in Vietnam: http://www.un.org.vn/en.html
