The United Nations yesterday marked 73 years of their establishment as a global body by holding a tree planting ceremony outside their Apia office.

Coincidentally, the occasion also marked the relocation of their office from Matautu to Tuanaimato.

With staff wearing pink to draw attention to October being the month of pinktober – dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness – the U.N. Resident Coordinator Simona Marinescu presented a donation of $700 from her staff to the Samoa Cancer Society.

Simona said that U.N. is a global organization to protect peace and prosperity for all.

“This is not a job that has been done yet this is why the organization continues to be relevant to the entire world, there is still extreme poverty, social inclusion, religion or political views we still have and see fragility and vulnerability in the world,” she said.

“Our main objective is to ensure that we protect the people of those islands against the aggressiveness of the deteriorating climate and environmental fragility. Every year we celebrate our day and we look into the challenges of the future, it is a time to reflect on mistakes, setbacks, and looking forward with more commitment.”

Samoa Cancer Society Chief Executive, Shelley Burich, thanked the U.N. for the invitation to their celebrations and the donation.

“I also thank every one of you spreading the message of Pinktober by wearing pink, you are all taking part in the significance of letting our people be more aware of breast cancer and cancer in genera."

“And also advocating that it is best to seek medical advice really early for early treatment,” she said.  

The celebrations yesterday also marked the relocation of the U.N. Office in Samoa to a new location, added Simona. With her staff also using the occasion to show their support for Pinktober by raising awareness on breast cancer.