UN-Habitat last Wednesday joined the government of Tanzania and other United Nations agencies in celebrating the 67th United Nations Day at Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam.

The celebrations were crowned with raising of the UN flag at the mayor’s parlour and an exhibition that showcased the UN work in Tanzania. The occasion was graced by Mr. Samuel Sitta, Minister for East African Cooperation who congratulated the United Nations and expressed his gratitude to the UN Resident coordinator Mr. Alberic Kacou and the UN Team in Tanzania for choosing to celebrate the UN Week which began on 17th October by undertaking different activities in the country.

“These activities have helped to inform our people about the UN and its activities in Tanzania. Today marks the climax of the UN week as we celebrate the great achievements by the United Nations. He also reiterated the need to strengthen the United Nations organs particularly the General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council. These organs are better placed to address most of the challenges confronting us,” the minister said.

He urged the UN system and the UN team at the country level to assist countries to undertake a comprehensive review of the MDG’s implementation, “the review must indicate the status of implementation of each goal, show successes and identify gaps and challenges. This will help countries engage into post 2015 discussions when they are well informed.”

The Resident Coordinator congratulated the government of Tanzania for joining the UN team in celebrating the United Nations Day. “This affirms a continuous partnership, we are confident that this joint partnership will assist the UN achieve its strategic plans for 2011-2015. Today not only marks a day of celebration for the UN but a moment to pose and reflect on the United Nations achievements so far. The UN provides a unique platform for international action, universal mentorship, provides critical services of peace, security and prosperity,” he said.

Crowning the celebrations was the ‘one UN exhibition’, which was dubbed “United Nations Tanzania Delivering as one”. It brought together 23 UN agencies based in Tanzania and had10 working groups each in a different booth displaying UN achievement in different area; Economic growth, WASH, Education, Environment, Health and Nutrition, HIV & AIDS, Emergencies, Governance, Refugees and Social Protection.