Each year on October 24, the United Nations celebrates its establishment. The United Nations System in Tanzania in partnership with the Government, development partners and youth will mark the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

According to a statement released at a press conference held at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in collaboration with United Nations Tanzania, announced that this year’s UN Day will be held at Karimjee Grounds, Dar es Salaam on 24 October 2017. The celebrations will reach their climax at an event scheduled for 26 October 2017 on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. The theme for this year’s anniversary is: “Industrial Development should consider Environmental Conservation for the Achievement of Sustainable Development.”

Speaking to journalists, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, emphasized the achievements under Phase I of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP I - 2011 to 2016) as well as the early implementation of Phase II of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP II - 2016 to 2021) that includes a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development plans for the mainland and Zanzibar.

Mr. Rodriguez also highlighted the Kigoma Joint Programme, currently supported by Norway and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, which has been designed to meet the priority development needs of Kigoma Region and specifically the host Tanzanian population in the three districts of Kasulu, Kibondo and Kakonko, which currently host over 300,000 refugees.

This year the anniverasry will be attended by H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania. This illustrates the importance that the Government attaches to the United Nation’s work in Tanzania. During the Press Conference, Hon. Dr. Susan Kolimba, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, emphasized the importance of the industrial sector in the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the achievement of sustainable development in the country. She stated: “The theme for this year’s anniversary, "Industrial Development and Environmental Conservation for Sustainable Development" is in line with the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and the Second Phase of the Five-Year Development Plan 2016/2017-2020/2021, which aspires to drive Tanzania to an industrial economy by 2025.”

The Deputy Minister also called on the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) to consolidate gains that have been made through the implementation of UNDAP I and UNDAP II, which is currently being implemented. Dr. Kolimba emphasized the importance of the UN in Tanzania ‘Delivering as One’ where UNCT coordinates and harmonizes its activities to avoid duplication and use resources efficiently. Finally, she called on youth and journalists to be good ambassadors for the SDGs for the well-being and development of the nation.

Speaking ahead of the 72nd anniversary of the United Nations, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, added: “Tanzania and the United Nations have enjoyed a very solid partnership for many decades. As Tanzania is undergoing massive transformation as its reaches middle-income status, the United Nations’ assistance must meet new requirements and challenges as it must redefine its mission in a more complex, youthful and vibrant Tanzania.”