Ali Ahsan/NY/UNO To Ruxandra Ferascu/NY/UNO@UNHQ 24/05/2006 01:56 PM cc bcc Subject Fw: Africa Day Message
• Forwarded by Ali Ahsan/NY/UNO on 24/05/2006 01:56 PM Ali Ahsan/NY/UNO 23/05/2006 06:47 PM To [email protected] cc Ruxandra Ferascu/NY/UNO@UNHQ Subject Africa Day Message
Dear Ms. Wright,
The SG's message for Africa Day, together with an official portrait, is attached.
Best regards,
Ali Ahsan
Ali Ahsan Associate Officer and Speechwriter Executive Office of the Secretary-General United Nations Room S-3850B New York, NY 10017 T: 212-963-9056 F: 212-963-5965 [email protected]
Forwarded by Ali Ahsan/NY/UNO on 23/05/2006 06:45 PM Ruxandra Ferascu/NY/UNO 23/05/2006 06:37 PM To Ali Ahsan/NY/UNO@UNHQ cc Subject Africa Day - formatted
. UNITED NATIONS WES NATIONS UNIES
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
MESSAGE ON AFRICA DAY 25 May 2006
Every year, Africa Day offers an occasion to consider Africa's progress, assess its challenges and reflect on its tremendous unfulfilled potential.
Africa is undergoing enormous political changes. Although destructive conflicts persist, their number has decreased and peaceful democratic governance has taken root in many countries. In Burundi, the peaceful and democratic conclusion of the transitional process was a milestone for that country and hopefully for the future of the entire Great Lakes region. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a new constitution and electoral law set the stage for democratic elections, while Guinea Bissau saw the restoration of constitutional order. And in Liberia, a landmark vote brought into office the first woman ever to be elected President of an African state.
Together with a somewhat improved economic outlook, the continent saw higher inflows of official development assistance, and much needed debt relief. The Group of Eight developed nations pledged to double aid to Africa by $25 billion by 2010, while 18 of the most indebted countries have had almost 100 per cent of their external debt cancelled.
The United Nations will continue to assist the African people as they build on this progress. A new Peace Building Commission, the Democracy Fund and Human Rights Council have improved the UN's ability to respond to Africa's agenda, as laid out by The New Partnership for Africa's Development and the African Union. Already, the UN the AU are working together to strengthen African peacekeeping capacity, and pursue balanced development.
Amidst the optimism, huge challenges remain. Continued violence in Darfur—despite the recent peace agreement—threatens millions of lives. The situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains a. source of acute concern, while the conflict in Northern Uganda prolongs one of the worst humanitarian tragedies in the world. At the same time drought haunts the Horn of Africa and parts of Southern Africa, and HIV/AIDS continues to inflict a terrible toll on the future of the African continent.
On this Africa Day, let us renew our pledge to do all we can to help the African people address these issues. Working together, we can realize their vision of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic continent. May 1,2006 ACTION
Kofi Annan
Secretary General EXECUTIVE OFFICE United Nations OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAI Room 3800 New York, NY 10017
Dear Secretary General Annan:
We understand that you will not be able to participate in our inaugural Africa Week Celebrations. However, the African Diplomatic Corps would be delighted if you could sendi a representative[from^Qur^Cabinet to__represejit:.you. The event is as follows:
1st Annual Africa Day Celebration Dinner & Dance Thursday, May 25, 2006 7:30 p.m.-Midnight Union Station* 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE»Washington DC
Prior to the event, we will host a private reception at Union Station between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Your representative is cordially invited.
Moreover, we would be grateful if you would consider sending a "congratulatory letter" to be included in our Souvenir; Journal. It would be appreciated if we could receive these as soon as possible
We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and consideration in this matter,
bspectfully,
. Masekela South African Ambassador to the Untied States Chairperson — ADC Image & Communications Committee copy: Ambassador Roble Olhaye, Dean of Diplomatic Corps of Washington DC
3051 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20008 Tel: (202) 745-6604 Fax: (202) 232-5387 E-mail: [email protected] •ROM : DCM OFFICE URSHINGTON ^ 9323405' 202 2323402 May. 02 2006 0B:23flM P2
May 1,2006 EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
His Excellency Kofi Annan * Secretary General d United Stations \ Room 3 800 New York, NY 10017 0^ k b I
Dear Excellency Annan:
Again, it is with the highest honor thatjwejwrite psa to confirm your participation in the first inaugural Africa Week Celebrations, MayJZg. -25, 2006. The African Diplomatic Cbrps^ will be delighted if you would be our special guest at the culmination of the Celebrations, as well as consent to be the Honorary Chairman of the lsl Annual Africa Day Dinner & Ball that will be held as follows:
Thursday, May 25, 2006 7:30 p.ra. - Midnight Union Station 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC
We have extended an invitation to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia and the first woman to hold this position in Africa to be the guest of honor. Expected to attend are other prominent African leaders, top officials of the US government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, business leaders, the Diaspora, the media and Civil Society.
Prior to the Dinner, a private reception will be hosted in your honor and that of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf with a few other distinguished invited guests.
Secondly, we would like to request that you send a "Letter of Greetings" to be included in our Souvenir Journal. We would also like to request a color photograph. We need these documents as soon as possible. ;
RECEIVED TIME MAY, I 8:58AM FROM : DCM OFFICE UflSHINGTON ««« ~" '" ' 202 2323402 May- 02 200G 08:24P)M P3
Secretary General Kofi Anan Page 2
During Africa Week, the following events are being planned:
• Meet the Press » Open House at the 48 African Embassies in Washington, DC • Lectures Series - "Africa - A Reliable Energy Source - Realizing Your Future Energy Needs" • Community Outreach Program • 1st Annual Africa Day Celebration Dinner & Ball
Our Events Coordinator, Rosana Wright, is available to answer any questions you or your Staff may have about these events and your requested participation. She can be reached at the following:
Africa Week Celebrations Telephone: (202)745-6604 Fax: (202)232-5387 e-mail: an'icaweek@saemba$sv.org
Since this is the first significant action on the part of the African Diplomatic Corp for a long-term approach to permanently highlighting African and Africa interest in the United States, I would greatly appreciate your personal participation. Please honor the ADC and our illustrious audience with your presence.
Mr. Secretary General, again, 1 avail of this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my highest regards.
Thank you very much for your consideration. We eagerly await to hear from you.
Very truly yours,
Barbara Masekela South African Ambassador to the Untied States Chairperson - ADC Image & Communications Committee
Copy: Ambassador Roble Olhaye, Embassy of Djibouti & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Image & Communications Committee Members
RECEIVED TIME MAY. 2. 8:58AM •ROM : DCM OFFICE UflSHINGTON 77. oooo/AV 202 23234B2 May. 02 2006 08:23PlM PI
FAX FAX FAX
May 2,2006
To: Mr. Kevin Kennedy United Nations
Fax: (212) 963-2155
From: Rosana Wright, Events Coordinator Africa Week
Dear Mr. Kennedy:
The attached letter is from Barbara Masekela, South African Ambassador to the United States, and Chairperson of the Washington DC African Diplomatic Corps' Image and Communications Committee. / / This letter was written prior to the receipt of the response from the Secretary General's / office with 'regrets".
Is it possible that we can elicit your support in the following?
1. In the absence of the Secretary General's participation, is there someone from his "cabinet" that can attend and participate in Ms stead?
2. Will you assist in our efforts to get a "congratulatory letter" along with a photograph from the Secretary General for our Souvenir Journal commemorating Africa Day or direct us to the proper source?
Thank you very much for your support.
RECEIVED TIME MAY. I 8:58AM FROM ': DCM OFFICE UflSHINGTON 77* OOOO/A^"" '" " 202 2323402 May. 02 2006 08:24fiM P4 •_ _ - • ' -..^-i-=J -. -* ' "• " ' ""' '• "• 04/26/08 WED 18:40 yii 212 963 1145 SSEC OFF SEC-GEN/ECT HEL
UNITED NATIONS ?$» NATIONS UNIES
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26 April 200S
Excellency,
On behalf of the Secretary-General, 1 would like to fhank you for your loiter of 12 April 2006, iimiiQghiin to be a special goest ftt tlie gala dinner on the occasion of Afiica Day, to take place on 25 May 2006 ia D.C.
The Secretary-General appreciates your kind Inviiation, however overseas travel during this time wQl prevent bim from attending I am pleased to convey the Secretary-General's warm wishes for lie success of this event, aimed at highlighting the achievements and aspirations of Ajrica.
Pleasc accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest oonsideraiion.
Alicia Bfcreeaa Aotong Ckef de Cabinet
His Excellency Mr. Roble OBieye Ambassador of the RepubHo of Djibouti to the United States Dean, of the African Diplomatic Corps Washington, D.C
RECEIVED TIME MAY, 2. 8:58AM Office of the Secretary General
Correspondence Log # 26-04662 Logged by: Margaret King
From Roble Olhaye :/^;^iri7;6ijtv Incoming Dean of the African Diplomatic :' Log status Logged Corps, Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti Through Incoming n/a Ref# • . To 86 Outgoing n/a - • Ref# cc , Case# Djibouti; InvURef. "D" (26/04/06)
Correspondence ; On behalf of the African Diplomatic Corps, extending invitation to SG to be Subject their special guest at a Gala dinner in Washington DC on the occasion of the Africa Day, Thursday, May 25, 2006 & wd. highly appreciate it if SG wd. say a few words
Datepf 12-Apr-2006 ..:;;• Reply by Reply date not specified ; Corresp6nderice ,: Date-received'' 12-Apr-2006 •,-",:rtep!y;iSlatus n/a
Distribution Kevin S. Kennedy/NY/UNO cc Alicia Barcena/NY/UNO; Edward Mortimer/NY/UNO
Editors > Document author Margaret King : Viewers, Viewing of scanned document(s) or attachement(s) is limited to: Margaret King, Francis Nunez, Jenny Thomas, Maria Chacon, Michelle Rakotojaona, Vertulie Vincent, Wossene Lakew, Alicia Barcena, Elpida Rouka, Janice Willingston, Marienette Abadilla, Danielle Loff-Fernandes, Kaori Minami, Kevin S. Kennedy, Lena Dissin, Maria Luisa Reyes, Silva Armani, Ruxandra Ferascu, Vincenzo Pugliese, Edward Mortimer Audit Trail Margaret King on 13/04/2006 10:32 AM Edited Michelle Rakotojaona on 01/05/2006 03:59 PM 13/04/2006 at 11:21:35 AM - Track note by Harriet Osias: cc AB fm Central to Rouka
13/04/2006 at 5:09:20 PM - Track note by Wai Tak Chua: LD/KSK away (fm Central)
26/04/2006 at 5:07:04 PM - Track note by Wai Tak Chua: AB (fm KSK): with letter of regret AB=Olhaye FYS.
26/04/2006 at 5:31:49 PM- Track note by Harriet Osias: AB fm KSK for signature to Rouka
26/04/2006 at 5:44:56 PM - Track note by Harriet Osias: signed & returned to KSK
26/04/2006 at 6:47:34 PM - Track note by Wai Tak Chua: Letter of regret dd 26/4/06 signed by AB, faxed+dispatched by mail, cc:chron, CENTRAL.