Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2013

UNIC Director participated at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day organized by the Ministry of Information and the Bahrain Journalists Association at the Capital Club on 04 May 2013 at 19:00 hrs.  The event was led by the Minister of State for Information Affairs H E Samira Rajab and was attended by the 300 plus members of the association.  Furthermore, on 05 May 2013, UNIC Director attended the World Press Freedom Day commemoration organized by the Bahrain Women’s Union and the Riffa Women’s Group that took place at the Riffa Cultural & Charity Society.  The event also involved an awards ceremony where ten young journalists from different media outlets in Bahrain were recognized for their contributions; UNIC Director distributed the certificates to the awardees.  At both events, UNIC Director delivered the statement of the Secretary-General on World Press Freedom Day stating that Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and highlighting the theme of this year’s commemoration which is “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media”, which emphasizes the need for action to upholding the right of journalists to carry out their vital work.

UNIC Director’s Meeting with Speaker of the Arab Parliament

UNIC Director Nejib Friji received H E Ahmed Mohamed Al Jarwan, Speaker of the Cairo based Arab Parliament who visited the UN House in Manama on the sidelines of his visit to Bahrain to participate in the opening ceremony of the 21st Heritage Festival Traditional Cafes at the invitation of the Minister of Culture & Tourism, H E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.  H E Al Jarwan met Mr Friji and discussed ways and means of enhancing cooperation between the Arab Parliament and the UN in support of common objectives and goals in serving humanity, peace and human development in particular.  Mr Friji further stated that he looked forward to the promotion of cooperation between the Arab Parliament and the different UN bodies to the level of partnership to better serve the issues of peace and human development in the Arab region.

Commemoration of International Mother Earth Day 2013

UNIC Director Nejib Friji was guest speaker at the AMA International School’s commemoration of International Mother Earth Day 2013 that took place from 10:00-13:00 hrs at the school’s premises in Budaiya.  The event which involved the active participation of the school’s students within the age group of 06-12 years, featured an art & craft exhibition, dance and music recitals and planting trees, all focusing on the importance of protecting the earth.  Mr Friji delivered the statement of the Secretary-General and further stressed on the importance of the youth’s contribution in preserving our natural resources and protecting the earth for future generations.

UNIC's Support & Attendance at the Al Hekma School's Bahrain Model United Nations (BAHMUN XVIII)

UNIC Director was guest speaker at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Bahrain Model United Nations (BAHMUN XVIII) that was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports President & Chairman of the Bahraini Olympic Committee on 12th & 13th April 2013 at Al-Hekma International School. The event comprised of 140 students from 20 schools in Bahrain representing the delegates of member countries as well as an audience of 300-400 people comprising principals, teachers, students, diplomats and government officials.   Prior to the event itself, UNIC Director also held a briefing session with 140 student delegates on the role of the UN.

Bahrain Businesswomen Association's Symposium on Role of Women in Peacemaking

The Bahrain Businesswomen Association, with UNIC’s support and participation, organized a symposium entitled “The Role of Women in Peacemaking” which took place on 08 April 2013 at the office of the association in Mahooz, Kingdom of Bahrain. The purpose of the seminar/workshop was to highlight an initiative aimed at safeguarding women's rights during peacekeeping, peace-building and post-conflict situations. The initiative comes against a backdrop of the UN's unsuccessful efforts to implement the Security Council resolution 1325, which it had approved 13 years ago.

Launch of Human Development Report 2013

UNIC joined the UNCT Bahrain in launching the Global Human Development Report in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 02 April 2013 at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel from 09:00 to 12:00 hrs.  The launch was preceded by a press conference moderated by UNIC Director.  During the launching ceremony, statements were delivered UNDP Resident Representative, Peter Grohmann, Tamkeen Chairman and Political & Economic Affairs Advisor at the Court of the Crown Prince, H E Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa and Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Karim Shaker.  In his address, Mr Grohmann highlighted that Bahrain had ranked 48 out of 187 in the report adding that Bahrain had maintained its position as first in the Gulf for education and health care.  H E Shaikh Mohammed Bin Essa Al Khalifa stated that Bahrain should be proud of its achievement and that al though there are challenges facing the country, it was hoped that the national dialogue will overcome these challenges.  He further highlighted HRH The Crown Prince’s message which was to aim high in the world and not just the Arab world.  This was followed by a debate on the implications of the report also led by UNIC Director that involved scholars, members from the Supreme Council for Women, civil society and the media.

Commemoration of International Women’s Day on

20 March 2013

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the Kingdom of Bahrain led by UNIC commemorated International Women’s Day on Wednesday, 20 March 2013 at 11:00 hrs at the UN House Conference Hall with the cooperation and participation of The Supreme Council for Women, the Shura Council and the National Institution for Human Rights.  The function which aimed at reinvigorating commitment to end violence against women was attended by representatives from The Supreme Council for Women, the Shura Council, the National Institution for Human Rights, Ministry of Education, Arabian Gulf University and members from various women’s organizations in the Kingdom such as Bahrain Women’s Union, Awal Women’s Society, Bahrain Young Ladies Association to name a few.   During the event, statements were delivered by Mrs Dhawiya Sharaf Al Alawi, Assistant Secretary-General for the Supreme Council for Women, Mr Peter Grohmann, UNDP Resident Representative & UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Jehad Abdullah Mohd Al Fadhel Member of the Shura Council and Ms Latifa Rashid Al Jalahma from the National Institution for Human Rights.  A song entitled “One Woman” launched by UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality & Women Empowerment, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day was also be screened.  “One Woman” is a musical celebration of women worldwide, featuring 25 artists from 20 countries across the globe.

Photo Exhibition on Nuclear Non-Proliferation from 12-23 March 2013

UNIC co-organized a photo exhibition on nuclear non-proliferation entitled “"From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace- toward a World Free from Nuclear Weapons“along with the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT), Soka Gakkai International (SGI), International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and Inter Press Service (IPS).  The purpose of the exhibition was to highlight issues of nuclear weapons through the lens of human security, while placing the work of their abolition at the heart of building a culture of peace. Since the exhibition was launched by SGI in 2007, it has been shown in more than 230 venues in 29 countries; Manama is the first city in the Middle East region to host this exhibition.   The exhibition was inaugurated on 12 March 2013 by H E Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Bahrain National Museum; it was moved to the Seef Mall from 13-23 March 2013 where it was open to the general public. 

Prior to inauguration, a joint press conference was held on 10 March 2013 at 14:00 hrs at the UN House Conference Hall to announce the official launch of the exhibition on 12 March 2013. The press conference, which was moderated by UNIC Director, was attended by Bahrain’s Minster of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Ghanim Fadhel Al Buainain, UNDP Resident Coordinator Peter Grohmann, The Ambassador of Japan to Bahrain, H E Shigeki Sumi, SGI’s Executive Director for Peace Affairs, Mr Hirotsugu Terasaki, Regional Campaigner for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Mr Nasser Burdestani, Director of Arabic Services at Inter Press Service (IPS), Mr Baher Kamal all of whom delivered statements emphasizing the importance of nuclear non-proliferation. 

UN International Pledging Conference for Syria on 30 January 2013

UNIC Director assisted the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs in organizing the UN International Pledging Conference for Syria that took place in Kuwait on the 30 January 2013. As the media spokesperson for the conference and media focal point for the UN, UNIC Director mobilized the international press as well as organized and assisted with all related media logistics.

Visit of School Students to the UN House

On 19 December 2012, the Ministry of Education and UNIC organized a visit of 30 students and 15 teachers from 10 government schools to the UN House for a briefing session on the global role of the UN, in the region & the UN Country Team and in Bahrain. The session involved presentations from UNIC Director Nejib Friji, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Mohammed Al Sharif, UNEP Information and Outreach Officer, Marie Daher, and UNIDO's Mohammed Kamal and Ms. Faaiza Adil. The UN officials, the students and teachers had a questions & answers' session leading to an interactive and insightful discussion.

Commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day 2012

UNIC Director attended and inaugurated an exhibition on combating corruption that was organized by the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day. The five day exhibition held under the patronage of Bahrain’s Minister of Interior H E Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, was inaugurated by UNIC Director along with the Governor of Bahrain’s Southern Governorate H E Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Khalifa, the President of the University of Bahrain Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi.  UNIC Director delivered the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the occasion of anti-corruption day and was further interviewed by Bahrain TV where he emphasized the UN Chief’s call on everyone to work towards a sustainable future where corruption is exposed and rejected, where integrity prevails, and where the hopes and dreams of millions are realized.   

In the evening, UNIC Director also attended the Bahrain Transparency Society’s commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day which took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel at 19:00 hrs.  UNIC Director delivered the statement of the Secretary-General and further highlighted the role of UNODC in combating corruption in both member countries and in the civil societies.

Commemoration of World AIDS Day 2012

On 03 December 2012, UNIC Director moderated a press conference in commemoration of World AIDS Day organized by the Ministry of Health and the UN Country Team (UNCT), on Monday, 03 December 2012 at 10:00 hrs at the UN House Conference Hall.  The event involved statements from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered by UN Resident Coordinator Peter Grohmann and the Minister of Health H.E. Sadiq AbdulKarim Al Shehabi.  Also present was Member of Parliament & AIDS Activist, Ms Sumaya Al Jowder.  This was followed by a screening of a 15 minute film on AIDS entitled “The Light Journey” produced by UNDP Bahrain with the support of the Ministry of Health and a Question & Answer session with the media. 

 Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People  

In line with the United Nations declaration of 29 November of each year as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Embassy of the State of Palestine with the support of the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the Kingdom of Bahrain commemorated the day through an official function on Thursday, 29 November 2012 at 11:00 hrs at the UN House Conference Hall.

The event involved statements from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered by UNIC Director & OIC UN Resident Coordinator Mr Nejib Friji, the Minister of State for Information Affairs, HE Samira Rajab, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine H.E Taha Mahmood A Qadir and Al Quds Committee HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi by the Ambassador of Morocco, that was delivered in the presence of officials, ambassadors, diplomats, civil society representatives and media.

UNCT Bahrain’s Commemoration of UN Day 2012

The UN Day was celebrated by the UNIC-led UN Country Team (UNCT), Bahrain with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, 20 October 2012 at 19:00 hrs at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel.

The official function/reception was well attended by ministers, MPs, ambassadors, diplomatic corps, academia, civil society, media and members of the UN family. The official function, which was conducted by UNIC Director, Nejib Friji, included statements from the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Ghanim Fadhil Al Buainain, UNDP Resident Representative & UN Resident Coordinator, Peter Grohmann and UNEP Regional Director, Iyad Abumoghli. 

The evening also featured a presentation on the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development "The Future We Want" and its impact on women, youth and the environment, by six students from the AMA International School, a musical recital by Ms Dana Smith (pianist) and Ms Alicia Engley, (violinist) and screening of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for UN Day 2012.

UNIC Manama's Commemoration of International Day of Peace, 21 September 2012

UNIC, the Regional Institute of Autism (RIA) and Ajyad Organization marked the International Day of Peace by organizing the “Peace One Day Football League”. The event which took place on Friday, 21 September 2012 from 13:00 to 20:00 hrs at the Soccer City in Saar, Bahrain featured a football league that brought together 24 teams from all over Bahrain, from all communities, including two women teams. The event included a Women Bazar that featured small businesswomen's creations. UNIC Director delivered the message of the Secretary-General and further stated that the tournament was an opportunity to promote tolerance consciousness and to advocate among the youth dialogue, mutual understanding and the culture of peace among different individuals, communities and regions.

 UNIC Director's Assistance during the Secretary-General's Visit to Dubai, UAE 

On 01 September 2012, in full cooperation with the UN DPI DSC & The Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General, UNIC Director Nejib Friji traveled to Dubai, UAE to provide assistance to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during his visit to the country.  The Secretary-General arrived in Dubai following his visit to Tehran, Iran where he participated in the Non-Aligned Movement Summit.  UNIC Director arranged an interview between the Secretary-General and Reuters (TV, Wire & Photo Services) that took place at the Dubai International Airport’s VIP Lounge.  The interview focused on the Secretary-General’s visit to Tehran, his talks with the Iranian authorities on various issues such as nuclear warfare, the situation in Syria and human rights issues.

UNIC joins Bahrain’s General Organization for Youth & Sports in Commemorating International Youth Day 2012

UNIC joined Bahrain’s General Organization for Youth & Sports (GOYS) in commemorating International Youth Day under the theme “Building a Better World: Partnership with Youth.” The event which took place at the Sofitel Hotel was attended by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Youth & Sports (SCYS), HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Vice Chairman of SCYS, Mr Hisham Al Jowder, President of GOYS, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, SCYS Secretary-General, UNIC Director Nejib Friji as well as other dignitaries, officials and hundreds of youngsters who were awarded for their pioneering achievements. During the event, UNIC Director delivered the statement of the Secretary-General and was further awarded a shield by HH Shaikh Nasser Al Khalifa in recognition of the UN’s outstanding youth initiatives in Bahrain and in the world. 

UNIC Director’s meeting with Bahrain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

UNIC Director met Bahrain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Ghanem Fadhel Al Buainain where he briefed the minister about UNIC’s role in general and in the region in particular. The minister lauded the centre’s efforts and that of the UN Country Team in Bahrain adding that he would extend full support to the UN Country Team in its activities.

UNIC & Rotary Clubs of Bahrain Commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day 

In line with the United Nations declaration of 18 July 2012 as Nelson Mandela International Day, UNIC Manama mobilized the three Rotary Clubs of Bahrain namely Manama, Salmaniya and Adliya, to a joint action by launching a charity campaign sponsored by the Rotary Clubs to donate food boxes to 1000 needy families during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event took place on Wednesday, 18 July 2012 at 12:45 hrs at the Gilgamish Ballroom, Golden Tulip Hotel and was attended by HE Samira Bint Ebrahim Rajab, Minister of State for Information, Mr Robert Timmers, President of Rotary Club Manama, Mr Khalid Al Turk, President of Rotary Club Salmaniya, Ms Sajida Tabbarra, President of Rotary Club Adliya, Nejib Friji, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) as well as several Rotarians and guests. During the event, statements were delivered by the minister, the Presidents of the three Rotary Clubs and by UNIC Director.  The Secretary-General’s video message for the day was also screened.

Press Conference focusing on the United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development

In line with the preparations for the United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, the UN Country Team in Bahrain jointly with the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment & Wildlife, held a press conference at 10:00 hrs on Sunday, 10 June 2012 at the headquarters of the Public Commission at the Bait Al Tijjar building.  The press conference which aimed at shedding light on the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development that the UN is set to hold at the level of heads of states and government from 20-22 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil bought  together Dr Adel Al Zayani, Director-General of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment & Wildlife, Dr Iyad Abumoghli, Director & Regional Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme Office for West Asia and Mr Peter Grohmann, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Bahrain and UN Resident Coordinator and UNIC Director Mr Nejib Friji.

UNIC Director’s meeting with Bahrain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs regarding World Environment Day 2012 & Rio+20 Conference 

On 04 June 2012, UNIC Director Nejib Friji met Bahrain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Samira Ebrahim Bin Rajab to drum up both government and media circles for the forthcoming World Environment Day 2012 and the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development that will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 20-22 June 2012.

The Minister emphasized the Kingdom of Bahrain leadership's support to sustainable human resources development issues as a whole and the significance to make a success of the Rio+20 Conference set to be held by heads of states and governments from UN-member countries in addition to thousands of participants from private organizations, NGOs, in order to formulate methodology to curb poverty and boost social justice and ensure the protection of the environment of an increasingly overpopulated planet.

Mr Friji further brief the Minister about the activities planned by the UN Team with respective partners in the Kingdom in order to celebrate the International Environment Day on June 5, 2012 and various functions which lead to the Rio+20 undertaking led by the Bahrain-based United Nations Environment Programme Office for West Asia.

UNIC Director’s meeting with the Secretary-General of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women

On 23 May 2012, UNIC Director met the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women (Bahrain’s advisory body to the government on women's issues chaired by HRH Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa) Ms Hala Al Ansari to discuss and explore all aspects of cooperation between the council and the UN system in Bahrain in order to promote joint campaigns focusing on women’s issues.  It was agreed that regular informal meetings would take place to further discuss and finalize specific programmes to move forward in this area.

UNIC Director's attendance at the 3rd Conference of the Gulf Press Association on 23 May 2012

On 23 May 2012, UNIC Director attended the 3^rd Press Conference of the Gulf Press Association (GPA), an association that comprises publisher and Editors In Chief of major newspapers in the Gulf region that took place at the Gulf Hotel.  UNIC Director had the opportunity to meet with Mr Nasser Mohd Othman, founder of the GPA and discussed with him the need to strengthen and enhance cooperation between the GPA and the UN system in the region through joint activities aimed at promoting the UN’s goals to further development and capacity building within the countries of the region.

UNIC Director receives Women delegation from Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society on 17 May 2012

On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, UNIC director received a delegation of Bahraini women, led by Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) Member, Mr Salman Naser, who presented him with a letter addressed to UN calling for help in stamping out alleged injustice in Bahrain’s Shi’ite Sharia (Islamic) courts and requesting the implementation of Family Law setting out their rights in domestic disputes such as divorce, child custody and inheritance cases.

UNIC Director's Attendance at the Launch of Sky News Arabia Channel in Abu Dhabi (06-07 May 2012)

UNIC Director traveled to Abu Dhabi, UAE from 06-07 May 2012 to attend the launch of SKY News Arabia Channel.  UNIC Director had the opportunity to meet with the editorial board and the General Manager of SKY News where he discussed ways and means of establishing and enhancing cooperation between the SKY News group and the UN System both in Bahrain and in the region at large and with UNIC Manama in particular.  UNIC Director further gave three separate interviews to SKY News Arabia where he welcomed the launch of the channel, highlighting the importance of the UN role in the region in providing assistance to the peoples and the governments of the Arab region and further stated that the launch will enlarge the landscape of re-enforcing pluralism and independence of media.

UNCT's participation at the 15th Bahrain International Book Fair from 22 March-01 April 2012

On UNIC Manama’s initiative, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) including both resident and non-resident agencies in Bahrain and in the region, namely, UNDP Bahrain, UNEP ROWA, UNIDO Bahrain, UN-Habitat (Amman), UNICEF (Gulf Area Office), WHO EMRO (Cairo) and ILO (Beirut) participated at the 15^th Bahrain International Book Fair 2012 organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture, from 22 March to 01 April 2012 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.  At UNIC’s initiative, the Ministry of Culture provided the UNCT with a stand free of cost at the book fair. The UNCT contributed to the UN presence at the fair by sending in their latest reports and publications that were displayed and distributed free of charge to the visitors to the stand that comprised of ministers, ambassadors, members of parliament, students from various schools and universities, academia, civil societies and the general public.  The theme of the UN stand was the Millennium Development Goals that were highlighted through posters and roll ups.  In an effort to make the UN participation and presence at the book fair more effective and interactive, several events were organized at the UN stand at the sidelines of the fair such as the following:

• Three separate painting sessions led by renowned Bahraini Painter, Mr Abbas Al Mosawi on 22, 23 and 28 March 2012 respectively involving young children from the Budaiya Preschool (5 years of age), Modern Knowledge School (10-12 years of age) and Al Ahlia Preschool (5 years of age).  On each occasion, the students were asked to depict their idea of a world filled with peace.  In addition to the painting sessions, Mr Al Mosawi also devoted special paintings focusing on peace and women that were displayed at the UN stand during the entire duration of the fair.

 

• An interview by Bahrain TV on 25 March 2012 in commemoration of World Water Day focusing on water scarcity and conservation in the region particularly in Bahrain that involved Mr Nejib Friji UNIC Director, Mr Abdallah Ali Abdallah from Electricity and Water Authority of Bahrain, Mr Fouad Abu Samra, UNEP ROWA, Mr Waleed K. Al-Zubari from the Arabian Gulf University and Ms Jehan Al Murbati, UNDP Bahrain.  The programme was telecast by Bahrain TV on the same day during their news time at 15:00 hrs, 20:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs respectively.

 

• A science experiment show entitled “Discover the Power of Science & Nature” organized free of charge by “Mad Science” group which was well received by all the young children who were bought to the book fair by their schools as a part of their field trip.

UNIC Director’s visit to the Gulf Petroleum Chemicals Industry (GPIC)

On 26 January 2012, UNIC Director was invited by the President of the Gulf Petroleum Chemicals Industry (GPIC), Mr Abdulrahman Al Jawahery, to visit their premises and for a tour of their plant, along with the Tunisian Ambassador to Bahrain, Senior Editor of Al Hayat Newspaper in London and other senior officials at GPIC.  The tour involved an in depth briefing of the work of GPIC and its impact on the national economy and beyond. The highlight of the plant was its design and layout which ensured maximum efficiency while at the same time minimizing its effects on the environment.   This was followed by a visit to GPIC’s park, an area developed by GPIC that raises and conserves rare plant and bird species, where UNIC Director had the opportunity to plant a tree bearing his name.  UNIC Director further discussed with Mr Jawahery the possibility of sponsoring environment related activities and the establishment of a stronger partnership between GPIC and the UN system at large with a focus on advocating UN Global Compact in the industrial, private and financial sectors in Bahrain.

UN Day 2011 Celebrations

The United Nations Day was celebrated by the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Bahrain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain on Monday,  24 October 2011 at 10:30 hrs at the UN House.

The function commenced with an art/painting session at UN House under the theme “United Nations Build a Better World Peace by Peace” led by renowned Bahraini painter Abbas Al Mosawi and dozens of young female and male painters from Modern Knowledge School. The art of work illustrated the UN’s main goals such as peace, tolerance, end violence against women, sustainable development, dialogue & mutual understanding, etc. 

The official function of the celebration included the screening of the video message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and statements from the Undersecretary for International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Karim Al Shakar, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Peter Grohmann, UNIC Director, Mr Nejib Friji, Mr Abbas Al Mosawi and President of Rotary Club Salmaniya, Ms Nada Alawi. 

UNIC Director receives a letter from the Palestinian Community regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine-22 September 2011

UNIC Director received at his office the Palestinian Ambassador H E Taha Mahmood A Qadir and two representatives from the Palestinian Community in Bahrain, Mr Yahya Shunnar and Mr Osama Muein, who delivered a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General urging him to assist in securing recognition of the State of Palestine according to the national right of the Palestinian people.  UNIC Director received the letter on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Peter Grohmann.

UNIC Director’s support and assistance to the OCHA-IRIN Workshop on Humanitarian Information Sharing-12-13 September 2011

At the request of the Office for the Coordination Affairs-Integrated Regional Information Network (OCHA-IRIN), UNIC Director traveled to Kuwait to attend the OCHA-IRIN Workshop on Humanitarian Information Sharing for Better Humanitarian Action that took place at Kuwait City from 12-13 September 2011 at the headquarters of the Islamic Charitable Organization, one of the main organizers of the conference along with OCHA-IRIN and Direct AID.  UNIC Director assisted both UN entities in advocating their humanitarian efforts worldwide with a focus on the urgent situation in the whole of Africa (HoA).  UNIC Director arranged for major Bahraini humanitarian and charity organizations namely the Royal Charity Organization Bahrain and Bahrain Red Crescent Society, to attend the conference.  Furthermore, UNIC Director helped OCHA secure the presence of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), led by the Secretary-General of the GCC, Dr Abdullatif Rashid Al Zayani.

UNIC Director’s support to UAE and Tunisian Red Crescent Societies for UN humanitarian assistance to Libyan and Third country refugees in Tunisian and Egypt-01 June 2011

UNIC Director in coordination with UN Goodwill Ambassador, Lofti Bouchanak extended assistance to the UAE, Libyan and Tunisian NGOs that organized a gala dinner in support to the UAE and Tunisian Red Crescent Societies with the contribution of the UAE based Tunisian Business Council, Libyan NGOs and opposition media in order to support the efforts of the UN humanitarian assistance to Libyan and Third country refugees in Tunisia and Egypt.  UNIC Director further participated in MBC’s morning talk show along with Lofti Bouchanak.

World Environment Day Celebrations-05 June 2011

UNIC Manama co-organized the World Environment Day celebrations with the Bahrain Society of Engineers and The Institution of Engineers Pakistan-Bahrain Chapter by bringing together the institution with the UN Country Team in Bahrain.  The event was attended by the Director General of the Public Commission for  Protection of Marine Resources, Environment & Wildlife, Dr Adel Khalifa Al Zayani, President of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Mr Abdul Majeed Al Gassab, Resident Representative of UNEP, Dr Habib El Habr, UNIC Director, Nejib Friji and other dignitaries and representatives from the media. Prior to the WED event, an essay competition was held for school children by the organizers where the participants were asked to write a brief essay either on “five priorities to improve the environmental conditions in Bahrain” or “five simple routine actions that can improve the environment”.  The winners of the competition were awarded on the day of the WED celebration.

International Women’s Day Celebrations-08 March 2011

UNIC Director participated in the International Women’s Day celebrations organized by the UNCT that took place at UN House on 08 March 2011 at 10:00 hrs.  The event was lead by UNDP RR Sayed Aqa along with UNIC Director Nejib Friji and other UN colleagues.  Dr Haifa Al Maskati, Dean of Bahrain University College of Science was the main guest.

Arab Entrepreneur’s Day-25 January 2011

In line with UNIDO’s Arab Entrepreneur’s Day celebrations, UNIC Director organized and moderated a press conference that took place on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 at the UNIC Library Hall, in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Housing, HE Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Mr Abdulrahim Hassan Naqi, Secretary-General of the Federation of the GCC Chamber of Commerce and several business pioneers. 

International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People Commemoration-29 November 2010

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, the UN Country Team in the Kingdom marked the event with the participation of Bahrain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Dr Nizar Al Baharna and the Palestinian Ambassador to Bahrain on Monday,  29 November 2010 hrs at the UN House Conference Room.

UN Day Celebrations-24 October 2010

During the UN Day 2010 celebrations that took place at the Al Dana Ballroom, Gulf Hotel, UNIC Manama involved 8 students from Bahrain Polytechnic Institute to make a presentation along with UN staff on each of the 8 MDGs to the audience that comprised of ministers, ambassadors, media and NGO representatives and UN partners.

Stand Up & Take Action Against Poverty (SUTA) Event at UN House-21 October 2010

In line with the marking of the Food Day, the SUTA Campaign and the MDG summit, UNIC organized a meeting with the Representatives of Student Affairs from 11 of Bahrain’s Universities at the UN House Conference Room. 

Stand Up & Take Action Against Poverty (SUTA) Event at the Bahrain Training Institute-18 October 2010

UNIC Director attended the Stand Up & Take Action against Poverty event organized by Bahrain Training Institute (BTI) at their campus which involved their management, staff and students.  The event was organized with the guidance and support of UNIC Director who provided BTI with all the necessary information to conduct the event. 

Nelson Mandela Day International Celebrations-18 July 2010

UNIC Manama in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Bahrain, The Bahrain National Museum and with the support of the UNCT Bahrain organized an official function and screening of the movie “Invictus” on Sunday, 18 July 2010 at 20:00 hrs at the Bahrain National Museum Auditorium.  Furthermore on 20 July 2010, UNIC Director was the main guest of Bahrain TV’s key morning talk show “Hala Bahrain” (Good morning Bahrain) which devoted a special programme to the Nelson Mandela International Day, at UNIC’s initiative.

Live Talk Show with Al Jazeera Children’s Channel & WHO on Non-Communicable Diseases-24 February 2010

At the initiative of UNIC Manama, Al Jazeera Children’s Channel (JCCTV) devoted a  1:15 hr live talk show on Non-Communicable Diseases on their leading programme “Nadhra Alaa” (Focus On) that involved Dr Ala Alwan, the Assistant Director General of WHO as the main guest speaker and 40 young boys and girls from the Arab region with an aim to target a large audience of millions of children & their families from different parts of the Arab world and the Arab expatriate communities in Europe.