Reception at the UN Headquarters in honor of Greece’s National Day

The Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN celebrated the National Day of Greece, on March 25th, with a reception hosted at the United Nations Headquarters. The occasion was honored by a large number of dignitaries from the UN member-states and high-ranking UN Officials, with guest of honor the President of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis.

This year’s celebration coincided with the current candidacy of Greece for its election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, the UN’s principal organ for maintaining international peace and security. It was a unique opportunity to showcase to all the guests of the event, Greece’s candidacy and priorities by presenting a video with archival footage from the country’s past UN Security Council memberships (1952-53, 2005-06), as well as a special message by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Gerapetritis, focusing on the country’s proven record of accomplishment in multilateral fora and its determination to be once more a productive UNSC member.

Mr. Francis, at his welcoming remarks, commended Greece’s longstanding devotion to the UN ideals, while emphasizing ‘courage’, an inherent characteristic of the Greek people whose pioneering spirit and triumphant moments have left an indelible mark on history. The UNGA President also brought attention to the country’s perennial contributions to the UN’s progressive objective of maintaining world peace and security.

Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris seized the occasion to draw parallels between the values that inspired the Greek Revolution of 1821 and our country’s steadfast commitment to the values that underpin the UN Charter, while underlining the symbolism behind Greece’s National Day being celebrated in the center of world diplomacy. A further proof that its candidacy as an elected member of the Security Council cannot but create a positive impact.

In short, be it the grand struggle for independence in 1821, the 79 years of exemplary diplomatic presence in the UN, or the possibility of participating in the ever so important Security Council, there are 3 words that identify Greece and will continue to define its work on the global stage; ‘Dialogue, Diplomacy, Democracy’. A motto based on historically ubiquitous Greek values, Ambassador Sekeris added.