On 23 October 2026, Senegal and the United Nations family celebrated United Nations Day for the first time at the United Nations House in Diamniadio. A symbolic ceremony that marks the country's commitment to multilateralism and global peace.
His Excellency Sheikh Niang, Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and External Senegalese, presided over the ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of the United Nations.
Together with Ms. Aminata Maiga, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in Senegal, and Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, the Minister reaffirmed « Senegal's unwavering commitment to the ideals of peace, justice and prosperity ».
The event, held in the new building in Diamniadio, brought together diplomats, government members and international partners, demonstrating the vitality of cooperation between Senegal and the United Nations.
A House Symbol of Unity
For Mrs Maiga, this House « is much more than a building ». It embodies an ambition: that of a more united, better coordinated and closer to the people. The complex, made available by the State of Senegal, now includes United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in the country, as well as the UN Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
The Resident Coordinator welcomed the political will of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who brought the project to the highest level, and thanked Minister Niang for his continued commitment, both to the government and to New York when he represented Senegal at the United Nations.
Youth and artificial intelligence
Placed under the theme « UN and Digital: Accelerating Youth Employment and Empowerment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence »The celebration highlighted digital issues for African youth. Minister Niang recalled the New Deal Technology, a national strategy to make digital technology an engine for growth and jobs.
He stressed the need for inclusive governance of artificial intelligence, so that it could serve « rational, equitable and humanistic use ».
Exemplary cooperation
Leonardo Santos Simão welcomed the hospitality of Senegal and stressed that « cooperation is not a choice of circumstances, but the very condition of our security and common prosperity. ».
Representatives of UN staff, former officials and partners also took part in the celebration, marked by a play by the Kocc Barma troupe of Rufisque, illustrating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age for youth.
By inaugurating the United Nations House in Diamniadio, Senegal and the UN together write a new page of their partnership, based on solidarity, innovation and peace, an exemplary alliance for sustainable development and humanity.
