UN Staff Day 2016 Celebration in Nairobi

25 Oct 2016

UN Staff Day 2016 Celebration in Nairobi

Nairobi (Kenya), 25 October 2016 - As an expression of his deep appreciation for the tireless work, effort and contribution of all UN staff members around the globe, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dedicated 25 October 2016 as UN Staff Day at all duty stations and field missions. 

UN Staff Day was first observed in 1953 but has not been marked in recent years. The decision to reinstate the observance was aligned with an appeal from staff representatives to revive the venerable tradition, which acknowledges and celebrates the work of UN staff.

On the occasion of this day, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “I have witnessed first-hand the high level of professionalism, dedication, and know-how that exists throughout the United Nations [among] the able and courageous men and women who serve this Organization around the world every day, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances".

In Nairobi, hundreds of staff members gathered to celebrate the day. Prominent among them was Sahle-Work Zewde, Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) who opened the ceremony along with the Executive Directors of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, and the President of the Nairobi Staff Union.

The highlights of the celebration consisted of recognizing staff members who recently retired or on the verge of retirement, as well those who had served the Organization for the past 25 years or more, and the presentation of the UN Person of the Year Award. At the end of the ceremony, all staff were invited for a group photo, and had the opportunity to interact with the Director General.