International governance: Urdu version of ‘Basic Facts about the United Nations’ launched

Book to make UN’s workings accessible for Pakistanis; UN corner also inaugurated

ISLAMABAD: The Urdu translation of the “Basic Facts about the United Nations” was officially launched on Monday at Quaid-i-Azam University, in an event coinciding with UN Day.

The event was attended by Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne, Swiss Ambassador Marc George, Quaid-e-Azam University Vice- Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf, and UN Information Centre Director Vittorio Cammarota.



Comprehensive information about the United Nations and its work is now available to Urdu readers in Pakistan. Published since 1947, “Basic Facts about the United Nations” serves as a trusted guide to the United Nations and its system of related agencies. The 2014 edition provides a concise overview of the organisation’s work throughout the world - including current peacekeeping and peace building missions – along with essential information on UN membership and structure.

“It is extremely important for the UN to reach out to Urdu speakers in Pakistan,” said Cammarota. To meet the challenges of the globalised world, it is essential to properly inform citizens all over the world about the work of the United Nations so that they actively contribute to it, he added. The UN has made enormous progress in international law, peace and development after the end of the Cold War, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said, adding that, “The Urdu translation of this handbook will increase awareness about the UN’s work.”  Buhne said that with 60 per cent of the population of the country below 30 years of age, Pakistan plays 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.”



Meanwhile, a United Nations Corner was also unveiled in the university library. The UN Corner is a bookshelf that serves as a repository of newsletters, journals, reports, magazines and books published by the UN. It aims to provide university students with full time access to information on priority areas of UN work, said a press release.

“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 Ambassador George, while adding, “The Swiss Development Cooperation has decided to support the roll-out of UN corners at all government universities throughout the country.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2016.