New York- The United Nations community joined Zambians in commemorating the Kenneth Kaunda Day during an event held on 25th April at UN Headquarters in New York.
The Zambia Permanent Mission in New York organised the event to mark the 28th April Kenneth Kaunda Day (KK@100), the day President Kaunda would have turned 100 years.
During the commemoration, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Lois Mulube eulogised Dr. Kaunda’s leadership and vision, saying it made him a strong advocate for peace, social justice, unity and democracy in Africa and the world at large.
Ms Mulube said Dr Kaunda played a significant role in the struggle for Zambia’s independence and several African countries.
She added that Dr Kaunda also left an important legacy through his contributions to regional liberation struggles and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) issues in Africa and around the world.
And President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E Dennis Francis, in his tribute, described President Kaunda as a larger than life personality and an unquestionable statesman whose towering legacy epitomizes the power of vision, courage and determination.
He said the indelible mark of leadership left behind by K.K. – as he was affectionately known – was indeed, reminiscent of a nation-builder, an African nationalist and icon much as it is of a champion of international cooperation, dialogue and diplomacy.
Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Chola Milambo said President Kaunda’s life, legacy, and tireless dedication to the service of his country and the continent as a whole serve as a beacon of inspiration for all.
Dr Milambo led guests to wave the white handkerchiefs as a symbol of commitment to peace just before a short video of President Kaunda was showcased.
His Excellency, Franciso Jose da Cruz, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations and Southern African Development Community and
His Excellency, Dunkan Muhumuza, Deputy Permanent Representative
of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations as Chair of the Non- Alignment Movement & G77 and China also delivered statements at the event.
Senior UN Officials, Ambassadors, various diplomats, Zambians in the UN and executive members of the Zambian diaspora organization attended the event.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
