Prof. Ibrahim Gambari gets new UN’s job
The United Nations has appointed Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as a member of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Promotion Action.
The declaration was profoundly crafted by the UN to commit to ending racism and racial discrimination.
It is designed to upholding the human rights of all people and to combating racial discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, anti-Semitism and bigotry, including through enhanced implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The letter of appointment of the Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, was dated May 11, and signed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad AI Hussein.
The letter read in part: “I write to you on behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General in reference to General Assembly resolution 72/157 of 19 December 2017 in which the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General, António Guterres, to appoint the members of the group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
”This is in accordance with General Assembly resolution 56/266 of March 27, 2002.
“I have the pleasure to inform you that after a thorough consideration, the Secretary General decided to appoint Gambari as a member of the group of independent eminent experts on the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
”The other members of the group, appointed earlier, are Mrs Hanna Suchocka (Eastern European States) and Mrs Santos Roland (Latin American and Caribbean States).
”It is expected that you will effectively take up your functions on May 21, 2018,” the statement read.
Commenting on the appointment, KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, said the university was delighted that its global diplomat Chancellor was once again being called upon by the World Body to use his experience and talent to serve humanity.
”KWASU is very proud of this appointment and wishes our global eminent Chancellor continued great services to humanity,”Na’Allah was quoted.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Gambari was a former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The 74-year-old diplomat from from Kwara state is scholar and diplomat. He was Minister for External Affairs between 1984 and 1985.
Gambari was appointed by the Secretary-General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission as Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur effective from 1 January 2010.
He is currently the Special Adviser on the International Compact with Iraq and Other Issues for the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Previously, he served as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (USG) for the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). He was appointed on June 10, 2005 and assumed the post on July 1 of that year.
On March 4, 2013, Ibrahim Gambari was named by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulFatah Ahmad, as the pioneer Chancellor of the Kwara State University, making him the ceremonial head of the University who presides over convocations to award degrees and diplomas and also supports the vision and mission of the University in all respects, including fundraising, social, economic and academic goals.
