President inaugurates UN common premises during UN Day celebration in Croatia

Zagreb, Croatia, October 2008 - On the occasion of the UN Day - the birthday of the United Nations - marked on 24 October, common UN premises were inaugurated by President, Stjepan Mesic, in the Croatian capital. The premises in Zagreb were provided by the Government thus, enabling Croatia to become one of the first UN members to house the offices of the organization's agencies under one roof.

"This is the proof of Croatia's maturity. A sign of a progress achieved to the status of a member country in which innovations in the functioning of the UN are successfully being implemented" said President of the Republic, Stipe Mesic, during the inauguration speech.

Croatia joined the UN only 16 years ago, but has already an impressive history with the United Nations. A year ago, this pro-active role was acknolwdeged with Croatia's election as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

"Today, Croatia is an integral part of the UN. From receiving assistance in the 90s, Croatia has now become a country actively participating in UN missions and supporting peace, human rights and development around the world. A world which is at the gates of significant change and challenge," said UNHCR Representative, Wilfried Buchhorn during the opening speech.

"These UN common premises, in which we gather here today, are a symbol of strong co-operation between Croatia and the UN. For the first time since the UN arrived in Croatia back in the early nintees, most UN agencies share now the the same address. This has greatly contributed to strengthen the work of the UN family in Croatia. A joint work which, supports well being of the Croatian people, respect for human rigths and socio-economic development of the country," UNHCR Representative emphasized.

This year's UN Day celebration was devoted to all Croatian citizens working in the United Nations: The faces and spirit of Croatia in the UN. While Croatia's participation with over 150 peace keepers in 13 UN missions in the crisis areas of this world is a well known fact, it is less known that almost 400 Croatians contribute daily to the work of UN agencies under most difficult conditions. "They promote the UN vision of a better world, sometimes by putting their lives in danger. And some had unfortunately lost their lives serving for the UN, " Buchhorn pointed out.

Also, like every year, the UN in Croatia participated in socially valuable initiatives, thus donating 80 computers to a juvenile correction center, several schools in different parts of Croatia, including one Roma community center. This valuable donation will certainly enable young people form underdeveloped areas to gain necessary knowledge and skills, as every investment today will result in the future positive developments and achievements.