Children's performance on the UN Day

The UN Communications Group organized a "UN4U in Myanmar" drawing competition with entries sent in from the United Nations offices across Myanmar.

One of children's drawings

Six drawings were selected and the winners were awarded prizes at the UN Day event for staff and families.  The prize winning drawings will be included in the 2010 "UN4U in Myanmar" calendar.

Several children of staff members also staged "We are the World" performance, dressed up in ethnic and international costumes.

Media representatives attend briefing at UNIC Yangon about relief efforts during the year after Cyclone Nargis struck

On 30 April 2009, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Yangon held a briefing for over 30 local and foreign journalists as well as Myanmar Radio and Television to update them on the international community's response regarding humanitarian efforts for the victims of Cyclone Nargis.  A minute's silence was observed to honour the victims of the cyclone, followed by a short video on the UN's humanitarian efforts during the past year for the survivors.  The Resident Coordinator and Director, Mr.
Bishow Parajuli, gave an overview of the international community's relief efforts and stressed that while much had been done for the survivors of the cyclone, much still needed to be done and called for the urgent and continued support of the international community. The experiences of the international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were shared by Mr. Guy Cave of Save the Children, who stressed that despite international concerns over the political situation in the country, humanitarian aid works in Myanmar and he stressed the urgent need for humanitarian support to be maintained.
 
On 2 and 3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck the delta coastal region of Myanmar before moving inland across the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) and southern Yangon Divisions.  In the delta, windspeeds reached 240 km/h and the southern part of the delta experienced a 3-4 metre high storm surge. Cyclone Nargis caused extensive loss of life and physical damage: an estimated 84,537 people died, another 53,836 remain missing and 33,754 suffered injuries. 
 
With the upcoming one-year commemoration of Cyclone Nargis, the results on the ground show that the overall relief and recovery efforts over the last year have been effective. However, considerable needs remain. It is important that the international community continues its support in addressing remaining humanitarian needs as well as pushing forward recovery and reconstruction activities.

For more information about the commemoration, please visit UNIC Yangon's website.

U Thant, third Secretary-General of the United Nations

On 22 January 2009, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Yangon launched a website as part of celebrations marking the 100th birthday of U Thant, the UN's third Secretary-General. The special website features U Thant's biography, notable quotes and a photo gallery.

U Thant was born on 22 January 1909 at Pantanaw, in then Burma.  He was appointed Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations in November 1961 after the death of then Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. He was reappointed for a second term in November 1962.

U Thant was admired for his skill as a patient and subtle negotiator. He is credited with ending the UN operation in the Congo that had claimed the life of Dag Hammarskjöld and helping to defuse the Cuban missile crisis.

In a message issued to mark the occasion, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "Thant's patience and unassuming demeanor were valuable assets in his conduct of quiet diplomacy. His approach to global challenges was also informed by a strong commitment to a practice of compassion and tolerance, bred of his devotion to Buddhism. I have the greatest admiration for him and his achievements, and pay tribute to his life of public service. He left a legacy that will live on in the history of the United Nations and the world in our work for peace."

For more information on the life and work of U Thant, please visit UNIC Yangon's special website.

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Yangon commemorated International Youth Day 2007 by holding a panel discussion in the UN compound on this year's theme "Be seen, be heard: youth participation in development."  Dr. Aung Tun Thet, Principal Officer, spoke on several aspects of youth participation such as rising up to challenges, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), ethics and whistleblowing.  The General Secretary of an environmentalnon-governmental organization (NGO), FREDA ( Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association), talked about youth partcipation in environmental conservation in Myanmar, while the Director of ICE Youth (Information Centre for Every Youth) spoke of his group's youth library and activities to inspire youth education in Myanmar.

The panel was moderated by former Myanmar Ambassador to Australia, Mr. Maung Maung Soe Tint.  The UN Resident Coordinator and UNIC Director welcomed the gathering and read the Secretary-General's message.  UNIC Yangon's National Information Officer was the master of ceremonies. Approximately 80 people attended the event, mainly young people.