UN Days in Guiglo ends with commitment to take the path of peace and social cohesion

The 30th edition of United Nations Days ended on Friday, 6 December 2013 in the town of Guiglo with a commitment by its people and those of the entire region of Cavally to promote peace and national reconciliation, the theme of the event organized by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and UN agencies. The event was held alongside celebrations to mark International Volunteer Day on 5 December which centred on the theme: Youth. World. Active.

Closing the event on behalf of the Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou, who on the previous day had delivered the UN Secretary-General's message on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day, the head of UN Volunteers in Côte d'Ivoire, Jacques Mouaya expressed UNOCI's satisfaction with the fruitful partnership with the people of Cavally region. "{By making people to better understand the need for tolerance, mutual forgiveness, justice for all, and interdependence, you have highlighted the need for people to turn a new page and to adopt the way of development of your beautiful and rich region,}" Mr. Mouaya said.

The representative of the regional council of Guiglo, Ligazou Gerard expressed the feelings of his people who see UNOCI's assistance as a heaven-sent opportunity to a people just emerging from a serious crisis. "{We must support the UN which has come to sow reconciliation between the sons and daughters and all those who live in Cavally and who in turn should become involved in the peace, development and social cohesion}," he said.

Mrs. Madeleine Ble of the Guiglo town council thanked UNOCI and its Chief who have never relented in their efforts to assist the region especially through the recent inauguration of quick impact projects including the rehabilitation of a primary school, the construction of a village water pump and equipping and trainee announcers of the community radio of Guiglo. "{We count you among those who have helped the most}," she said.

The secretary-general of the Prefecture of Guiglo, Doulou Assamoi, expressed the honour felt by Guiglo in hosting International Volunteer Day and to welcome UNOCI and UN agencies in their midst. "{UNOCI has helped in the arrival of lasting peace and has taught us to live together as one once again. Peace is already within reach and its time we made peace and promote development. To the population, I ask you to forget the conflict of the past and to look ahead. Let us open our arms and welcome UNOCI,}" he added.

It should be recalled that International Volunteer Day was marked by the planting of trees in Guiglo town. Target groups involved in the UN Days included traditional, women and youth leaders and media practitioners who all took part in workshops aimed at reflecting on the themes of reconciliation, social cohesion and development.