Brussels, 30 September 2016 - Not only the United Nations Headquarters in New York these days has the privilege of receiving hundreds of diplomats attending the works of the 71st UN General Assembly.
Yesterday, UNRIC had the same privilege on a smaller scale when a large and enthusiastic delegation of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) visited the Brussels office and gave us the opportunity to discuss our many common priorities and our future partnership.
Founded in 1982, FICAC is a forum that brings together Consular Associations and Corps from all around the globe. Today, FICAC has over 87 member – associations and affiliated members.
Headed by its president Hon. Aykut Eken (Turkey), its Vice-President Hon. Kostas Lefkaritis (Cyprus) and its General Secretary Hon. Nikos Margaropoulos who initiated the meeting, the 25 honorary consuls were welcomed by UNRIC Director Deborah Seward who praised their important role both as diplomats and people connected with the world of global business.
"Both your important roles are crucial for the United Nations work and especially for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for the fulfilment of Agenda 2013 " underlined Ms. Seward.
"You are the agents of change", said Ms. Caroline Petit, Deputy Director of UNRIC after presenting UNRIC and the main UN priorities for the year to come. From his side, President Mr. Yakut Eken confirmed that both FICAC and its members were ready to partner with UNRIC for the promotion of the SDGs around the world, noting that the World Federation of Consuls is already recognised by the United Nations as an NGO with ECOSOC Status.
It was agreed that two immediate steps will be taken: UNRIC will provide FICAC with existing information and promotional material on the SDGs in all the languages available as to be used by FICAC for its outreach activities. Also, a UN staff member in New York and one in Brussels will be selected as the contact persons for the future partnership with the Federation on the important issue of Agenda 2030.
One thing is certain. A new partnership was born !!