Remarks at the national commemoration of United Nations Day

Acknowledgements:

• The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
• The State Minister in charge of Northern Region
• Gulu City Leadership
• Gulu District Local Government leadership
• Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions,
• Development Partners present,
• Members of the Civil Society,
• Private Sector representatives,
• Academia,
• The Media Fraternity,
• Colleagues from the UN system
• All participants,

It is with great honour that I stand before you today on this occasion of the 78th United Nations Day commemoration. We gather here in Gulu City, a place of vibrant culture and resilience, to celebrate the ideals that the United Nations was founded upon. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to a world of peace, prosperity, and shared progress.

In the spirit of 'Leaving No One Behind,' we come together, a diverse assembly of stakeholders, representing various sectors of society. This year's theme, "Accelerating the Achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals," resonates deeply with our shared aspirations. It is a call to action that reminds us of the urgency with which we must address the interconnected challenges of poverty, inequality, hunger, and climate change.

Allow me to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable strides Uganda has made over the past year in our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Through collaborative efforts, we have seen significant progress in areas such as access to clean water and sanitation, improved healthcare services, and advancements in education. Initiatives like “universal education” for primary and secondary levels have empowered communities, leaving an enduring legacy of positive change.

These accomplishments are not mere statements; they are testimonies to the power of collective action and the unwavering spirit of the Ugandan people. They serve as beacons of hope, guiding us forward in our mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

Yet, we are acutely aware that challenges persist. The global COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and environmental crises continue to test our resolve. However, let us remember that in the face of adversity, we find our greatest strengths. Together, we can overcome these hurdles and forge a path towards a brighter tomorrow.

As part of this year's UN Day celebration, a series of events were designed to engage and inspire us all. From the spirited SDGs Run to the enlightening Public Dialogue at Gulu University and the vital Outreach Activities in the heart of Gulu City, each activity was an opportunity for dialogue, learning, and collective action.

My hope is that you fully participated and voiced your concern on how you think we can serve you better because, your voices truly matter. We seek to tap into the wisdom and expertise of each member of our community, for it is through this shared effort that we will truly accelerate progress.

As I conclude, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to Gulu City for graciously hosting us, and to all our esteemed partners who have joined us today in this celebration. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the dedicated organizing committee, led by the UN Area Coordinator, for their tremendous efforts in planning such a vibrant event.

Together, let us recognize that the achievement of the 2030 Agenda is not a distant dream, but a present reality that unfolds with every step we take. Together, we will build a future where no one is left behind, where prosperity knows no bounds, and where the promise of a better world is realized by all.

I thank you all for listening to me.