Tehran, June 7th, 2017- Today, UNFPA Iran arranged a ceremony for signing the book of condolence followed by a gathering on the occasion of the sad demise of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, the Late UNFPA Executive Director.
Some Heads of Diplomatic Missions attended the signature of the book of condolence and the ceremony continued by the gathering of UN HOAs and staff to pay tribute to his soul.
Mr. Sivanka Dhanapala, RC a.i and UNHCR Representative, who knew Dr. Babatunde personally, started his speech with remarks about how he persistently followed his perspectives on improving the lives of people especially in crisis. He mentioned that Dr. Babatunde was a dedicated manager who believed in young people’s potential for making a better world for the future.
Mr. Gary Lewis, UN RC and UNDP Representative shared his message from Cairo where he was on mission. In his message he mentioned that Dr. Babatunde’s strategic direction was to support women and girls’ health and with hard work could put this issue on top of the global agenda. His remarks about how lives of girls could be changed if the global society stops ignoring their right to grow.
Another speaker was Dr. Mohammad Jalal Abbasi Shevazi, University Professor and Population Award winner who also shared his personal experiences of meeting and being in contact with Dr. Babatunde. While presenting their common photos of various meetings, Dr. Abbasi said that Dr. Osotimehin was a remarkable global leader of public health who dedicated himself to the improvement the lives of girls, women and young people around the world.
The gathering continued with Dr. Leila Joudane’s speech who talked about her profound sadness as she knew Dr. Babatunde in person. She called him a manager with vision and eager to work hard to save lives. She shared some of his strategic directions that changed the UNFPA’s traditional perspectives.
The present UNHOAs and some of the colleagues signed the book of condolence upon ending the ceremony.
