United Nations Day (UN Day)was commemorated in several towns and localities in Côte d'Ivoire on 24 October 2013. In Abengourou, Keibly, Yorodougou and Grand Bereby, it was celebrated under the theme of peace, reconciliation and development.





Round-table discussions in Abengourou and Ferkessedougou





In Abengourou, situated at 210 km east of Abidjan, the Day was celebrated with a round-table discussion on the theme: "The contribution of the United Nations and local partners to reconciliation and reconstruction in Indenié-Djuablin region". The ceremony, which was presided over by the Prefect of the region and the department, Fadi Ouattara, was attended by political, traditional and religious authorities, civil society and community leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Ouattara and the second deputy mayor of the town, Tia Ousmane, expressed the hope that UNOCI would speak on behalf of the region to UN agencies and other organisations in advocating for assistance for the reconstruction of Abengourou region.



For their part, the youths groups, the Organisation of Active Women of Côte d'Ivoire (OFACI), the Federation of Women's Movements in Abengourou (FEMFECA), the NGO « Vision Nouvelle » as well as the local branch of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in turn, presented their respective active mandate and the different activities they organise to promote reconciliation and strengthe social cohesion in the region.

In Ferkessedougou, situated some 530 km north of Abidjan, another round-table discussion to celebrate UN Day was hosted by UNOCI's Public Information, Civil Affairs, Human Rights, Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration sections together with UN Police and Military Observers and different parners including the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the civil society platform, local press and the defence and security forces. They gave presentations on the different forms and support and assistance they provide to the national reconciliation and reconstruction process in the District of Savanes.



Population of Keibly in the department of Taï want to become craftsmen of peace





UNOCI's Office in Taï chose Kéibly, situated on the road between Zagné and Taï, some 635 km west of Abidjan, to celebrate UN Day this year.

Local authorities and the population welcomed the contribution made by the craftsmen of peace of the UN in promoting social stability and progress in Côte d'Ivoire, especially in the department of Taï. "When we look at the efforts being made by the great family of humanitarians and the UN to promote peace, development and progress among our people, we should in return develop the values that this institution is fighting for.

In Keibly and in the whole department of Taï, let's become craftsmen of peace, all of us working for cohesion between the different communities and to promote human rights," declared the Prefect of the department of Taï, Aka Kouassi Bio.



The representative of UNOCI's Human Rights Division who led the UN delegation in Kéibly, appealed to the audience to work collectively to build a world of peace. "We must become even more united to act responsibly in a world characterised by inter-connections,"he stressed.



It should be noted that the Moroccan Battalion provided free medical consultations in Keibly.







Local authorities in Yorodougou: UN always beside Côte d'Ivoire in times of crisis





In Tonpki region, seven villages (Yorodougou, Zocoma, Yepleu, Gbagompleu, Ouema, Gangbapleu and Samapleu) and several encampments in the sous-préfecture of Yorodougou, in the department of Sipilou, situated some 50 km from the border between Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, gathered together to celebrate UN Day with a UNOCI delegation.

The deputy prefect of Sipilou, Théophile Djédjé, seized the occasion to praise the work of the United Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. Each time the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire exacerbates, UNOCI and the international community are there to help us find peaceful solutions in an effort to accompany the country on the road to peace," he recalled, adding "Dear friends from UNOCI, by choosing Yorodougou to celebrate such an important day, you have chosen to encourage the brave people of this city which is committed to peace and development".



The celebrations also included free medical consultations to the people of Yorodougou provided by the Bangladeshi Contingent and traditional dance.







People in Grand Bereby called on to become examples of reconciliation



A workshop organised in Grand-Béréby, situated at 410 km southwest of Abidjan, was attended by some 100 participants including traditional and community leaders, head of public services, representatives of women's associations, youth groups,

political parties and civil society who received explanations of the mandates of the different sections of UNOCI UN agencies and affiliated NGOs to commemorate UN Day. Participants also discussed their contributions to the current peace and reconciliation process in the country.



The first deputy Mayor, Abdoulaye Koné, expressed his gratitude to the United Nations and promised to do all he can to get closer to the people. For his part, the deputy prefect, Zigré Dapié Appolinaire, launched an appealed to his administration to work towards lasting peace so that the town can become an example in the national reconciliation process. "The symbolism of this ceremony provides me with the opportunity to launch an appeal to the people of Grand-Béréby, who I believe should take charge of the initiative and objectives of the United Nations because we need to reconcile and make peace between ourselves and with others for the good of everyone,"he stressed.