UNICEF joins Government of Mozambique and UN Partners in Marking United Nations Day

Maputo, Mozambique - On October 24th, Mozambique joined the world in celebrating United Nations Day, highlighting the country’s long-standing partnership with the UN and its commitment to peace, human rights, and sustainable development. 

During the official ceremony, led by the Minister of Education and Culture, Samaria dos Anjos Tovela, and attended by Heads of Agencies, including UNICEF, and their representatives,  and members of the Diplomatic Community, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Catherine Sozi, highlighted Mozambique’s significant role within the United Nations since becoming a member state. 

“Since joining the UN shortly after independence, Mozambique has been a strong advocate of multilateralism and a committed partner to the values and principles of the UN Charter: peace, development, human rights, and equality,” Dr. Sozi stated. 

Over the past five decades, collaboration between Mozambique and the UN has helped build resilient communities, advance gender equality, strengthen institutions, and promote both peace and climate adaptation. Despite the progress, Dr. Sozi also highlighted ongoing challenges, including poverty, conflict in the north, and persistent inequalities. 

During UNICEF's 50-year partnership with Mozambique, the organization has supported children and families through health, education, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, social protection, and emergency response programming. UNICEF has played a key role in building resilient communities, advancing gender equality, and responding to crises, from supporting mass vaccination campaigns and child protection during conflict, to providing emergency medical assistance and safe water to thousands affected by climate shocks. 

In a world marked by deep geopolitical divisions, widening inequalities, and escalating climate crises, Dr. Sozi stressed that, “the United Nations has never been more necessary, nor its values more urgent.” 

The commemoration served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, reaffirming Mozambique’s commitment to global solidarity and collective progress, driving progress towards the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals through focus on inclusive and sustainable growth and ensuring that no one is left behind.