Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry inaugurated a UN Corner at SPIR library on the occasion of the UN Day on 24 October 2016. The UN Corner is a bookshelf that serves as a repository of official newsletters, journals, reports, magazines and books about UN activities.
“The Quaid-i-Azam University is a microcosm of Pakistan, truly representative of our culturally diverse national demography, and the UN Corner will prove a knowledge hub about the world body for both our students and faculty,” said Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, Director SPIR.
“This UN Corner provides a treasure of knowledge to support students in their research work and to empower Pakistani youth for their future careers,” said Marc P George, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, adding that “the Swiss Development Cooperation has therefore decided to support the roll-out of the UN Corner to all government universities throughout the country.”
On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Chaudhry also launched the Urdu edition of the book, Basic Facts about the United Nations, at a major event organized by SPIR. He said Pakistan was an active UN member and the book would increase awareness about the wonderful work of the world body.
Resident Coordinator of the UN Neil Buhne, Vice Chancellor of the Quaid-i-Azam University Prof. Dr Javed Ashraf, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Dr. Syed Wiqar Ali Shah, Director of the UN Information Centre Vittorio Cammarota and large number students attended the event.
Published since 1947, the book serves as a trusted guide to the United Nations and its system of related agencies. The 2014 edition provides a concise overview of the organization’s work throughout the world — including current peacekeeping and peace building missions — along with essential information on UN membership and structure.
Mr Buhne said, “With 60 percent population below 30 years of age, Pakistan is playing a leading role in the UN in many ways. It can only continue to do so if more Pakistanis are aware of the UN and its mandate.”
“It is extremely important for the UN to reach out to Urdu speakers in Pakistan,” said Mr Cammarota. “To meet the challenges of the globalized world today, it is essential that citizens all over the world are properly informed about the work of the United Nations so that they actively contribute to it,” he added.
Dr Javed Ashraf said, “It’s a matter of great honour for us that Pakistan’s highest ranking university has been selected for the launch of this book.”
Dr Wiqar highlighted the history of Pakistan-UN relationship, while underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to realize implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir and its contribution to UN Peace-keeping missions.