United Nations celebrates 75 years with flag raising at CdS

This month the United Nations (UN) turns 75 years old. Its history in Panama and its role in the development of the region and the world makes us feel proud that the organization - and the agencies that comprise it - have chosen City of Knowledge as the headquarters for their national and regional offices.

That is why the United Nations System together with the Chancellery of the Republic of Panama and the City of Knowledge Foundation carried out on Friday, October 23, the hoisting of the UN flag, as part of the commemoration of the 75^th anniversary of the organization.

The event, which was attended by representatives of the agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations in Panama, managers of the City of Knowledge and national authorities, was held under the strictest biosafety measures.

"This initiative is just one of the symbols of the entire journey traveled and of all that we can still continue to build together," recalled Irene Perurena, Executive Vice President of the City of Knowledge Foundation, in her welcoming remarks.

The event included the reading of the message from the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, by the Director of the United Nations Coordination Office for the Development of Latin America and the Caribbean, Christian Salazar. In the words of the Secretary General “this year, the 75^th anniversary of the United Nations coincides with the greatest health and human crisis that calls on us to strengthen multilateralism and international cooperation to reduce all inequality gaps that do not allow people to enjoy a dignified life for all, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, social condition or disability”.

The Chancellor of the Republic of Panama, Alejandro Ferrer, commented that “we are pleased to celebrate with you the 75 years of the UN. At a time when the world is going through a profound health, economic and social crisis, the work of the United Nations becomes even more essential to overcome this crisis. We join the call of the UN to achieve the proposed objectives in favor of achieving sustainable development and building a more united world”.

The United Nations began operations in Panama in 1951, six years after it was founded, and it was in 2001 when the first Regional Agency was installed at the City of Knowledge campus. “Since then, as a Foundation, we have accompanied the growth of a comprehensive knowledge management platform, where the main actors of international cooperation and human development converge. One of the key milestones was the designation of Panama as the organization's regional hub in 2006”, highlighted Perurena.