Addis Ababa, 21 February, 2017 (ECA) – United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) António Guterres, has praised members of the United Nations family in Addis Ababa for the success of his first trip to Ethiopia as Secretary-General. Mr. Guterres was in the country to attend the 28th African Union (AU) Summit.
In a letter addressed to the Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Abdalla Hamdok, Mr Guterres highlighted the professionalism and dedication of staff who supported his delegation throughout his visit.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you and to your team for the professionalism and dedication shown in support of myself and my delegation during my recent visit to Addis Ababa to participate in the 28th Ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union.”
The UNSG said his visit was “highly productive as I was able to hold meetings with a significant number of Heads of State and Government on issues of critical importance to peace, security, humanitarian affairs and development.”
Mr. Guterres also expressed gratitude for the town hall meeting organized on 29 January with all UN staff in Ethiopia, saying he was “pleased to interact with so many staff members, including the 31 long service awardees.”
During the town hall meeting Mr. Guterres said many African leaders he had met so far praised the ECA for its role in changing the narrative about Africa and contributing towards the structural transformation of the continent.
In his maiden address to the AU Summit as UNSG on 30 January, 2017, Mr. Guterres commended ECOWAS for role in Gambia’s “peaceful transition.” He also pledged his full commitment to work with the AU in solidarity and respect to advance peace and security in Africa and realize the vision of Agenda 2063 and its promise of building “the Africa we want.”
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: ecainfo@uneca.org