UN Day 2023: Empowering Unity, Celebrating Rights, and Sustaining Development

United Nations Day 2023 unfolded with a profound focus on the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) under the theme "Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All." This theme resonated deeply with Rwanda's poignant history, emphasizing the shared commitment to safeguarding human rights.

An exceptional Umuganda tree-planting event took place in Mbyo (Bugesera) Unity and Resilient Village, bringing together UN Agencies, government partners, the Diplomatic Community, Development Partners, Prison Fellowship Rwanda (PFR), and the local community. The event featured speeches by Mr. Richard Mutabazi, Mayor of Bugesera district, testimonies from both victims and perpetrators of the Genocide against the Tutsi, remarks by PFR Co-Founder Bishop John Rucyahana, and remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo. During this event, participants successfully planted 2000 trees in the sector to conserve the environment.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Guest of Honor, Minister MINUBUMWE Hon Minister Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana. Symbolizing the power of collective action for sustainable development, this special Umuganda for Tree Planting in Mbyo became a tangible expression of the UN's initiative rooted in the resilient spirit of the village.

Mbyo Unity, Reconciliation, and Resilient Village stand as a powerful symbol of Rwanda's dedication to post-conflict recovery and sustainable development. Born from a challenging past, Mbyo embodies the nation's commitment to unity and reconciliation, illustrating the transformative impact of community-driven efforts to heal and rebuild. As a "Resilient Village," Mbyo becomes a beacon of progress, harmony, and collective strength. The UN's tree-planting initiative in Mbyo further solidifies this commitment, symbolizing sustainable development rooted in the remarkable resilience of the community.

A friendly football match was organized at Kigali Pele Stadium on October 22, 2023, fostering camaraderie between the Government of Rwanda, the Diplomatic Community, the United Nations, and Development Partners. The event featured both adult and children's matches, providing a fun-filled experience for all participants. Additionally, the match served as an excellent opportunity to showcase the branding materials of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN Day, effectively promoting these crucial global initiatives in an engaging and inclusive manner. The mini-tournament reached its conclusion with the United Nations team securing victory against the government of Rwanda team on 5-4 penalties following a goalless draw. Concurrently, as the football matches continued, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Clinic collaborated with the National Blood Transfusion Centre, with several officials actively participating in blood donation and 22 participants donated blood. This underscored the importance of humanitarian initiatives alongside sporting events.

The climax of the UN Day was the National Event on UN Day meeting centered around the theme "Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All," diverse perspectives were shared, each contributing valuable insights. Dr Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator, underscored the UN's unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Rwandan government, emphasizing the collective pursuit of development targets.

Dr Ojielo highlighted the necessity for a unified voice among partners, including civil society and academia, to address pressing continental issues and contribute to a new global agenda.

Gen. James Kabarebe, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, highlighted the theme's alignment with Rwanda's transformative journey, emphasising the commitment to equal opportunities for all citizens. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts witnessed in recent activities would fortify global partnerships and underscore the shared determination to advance mutual priorities.

Ambassador Christine, representing the Rwanda Cooperative Initiative, shared insights into South-South Cooperation and Triangular Cooperation, emphasizing the initiative's role in fostering collaboration. She further highlighted the strategic use of technology to bridge inequality, positioning Rwanda on a noteworthy digital transformation journey.

Minister MINIJUST, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, commended the positive relationship between the Rwandan government and the UN, shedding light on the post-genocide introduction of Gacaca courts.

These community-based tribunals, aimed at addressing lower-level perpetrators, played a pivotal role in establishing a peaceful and just society. He further advocated for a common African position on the global agenda, emphasizing togetherness and collaboration. This, he asserted, would be crucial in defining the direction of the UN Architectural framework.

Participants, including Ms. Yvette Nyombayire Rugasaguhunga, a film director, shared their testimonials during the event. Ms. Rugasaguhunga emphasized the profound impact of the Tree Planting at Mbyo Unity and Resilient Village. The testimonies from both the victims and perpetrators of the Genocide played a meaningful role in her healing process, underscoring the transformative power of collective efforts in promoting recovery and resilience.

The South African High Commissioner passionately addressed critical issues, calling for the organization of more events like the one at hand. He highlighted the UN's failure to respond effectively to the realities on the ground, citing a disconnect between peacekeeping missions and the expectations of the people. Expressing concerns about violence, especially within religious institutions, he posed essential questions on how to address those who incite violence while being sheltered in churches. The commissioner underscored the need for the UN to enhance its capacity for learning from experiences, transforming into a dynamic institution dedicated to serving humanity. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of navigating the complexities of the Rwandan environment, addressing the survival of the nation and the challenges posed by diverse identities in post-apartheid South Africa. Minister MINIJUST

The meeting illuminated the importance of collaboration, shared commitment, and innovative approaches in the pursuit of equality, freedom, and justice. The diverse insights underscored the interconnectedness of historical context, socio-economic considerations, and cultural factors in shaping a holistic understanding of these fundamental principles. The call for a common African position highlighted the need for a unified voice in the global discourse. Overall, the reflections and discussions reinforced the significance of international cooperation and contextualized approaches in achieving a world characterized by equality, freedom, and justice for all.