Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Allow me to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, for the kind invitation to join you in honouring the remarkable life and legacy of Mr. Rafeeuddin Ahmed.
I am honoured to represent the Secretary-General, who sends his deepest regrets that he is unable to be with us today.
It is a profound privilege to celebrate a remarkable man whose contributions to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the United Nations remain both enduring and deeply inspiring.
Mr. Ahmed¡¯s lifelong dedication to public service spanned more than five decades, crossing continents, institutions, and generations.
His early diplomatic career reflected the very qualities that would later define his legacy at the United Nations: profound insight, steadfast dedication, and an unwavering belief in dialogue as a force for peace.
Joining the UN Secretariat in 1970 as Secretary of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), he embarked on a distinguished career of global leadership. He served as Chef de Cabinet to the Secretary?General; led ESCAP as Executive Secretary; and acted as Special Representative and Envoy in some of the world¡¯s most challenging political and humanitarian situations.
Of special significance to UN DESA, he served as Under-Secretary-General for International Economic and Social Affairs and Director of the Resources and Programme Planning Office. In these roles, he helped shape the Department¡¯s strategic direction at a pivotal moment for global development cooperation.
Yet, perhaps even more enduring than his professional achievements was the humanity he brought to his work. Colleagues remember him as a mentor, a voice of wisdom and steadiness, and a firm believer in the United Nations to improve lives and promote peace.
Today, as we reflect on his life and legacy, let us also celebrate the core values he embodied: integrity, service, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to multilateral cooperation.
May we honour Mr. Ahmed not only by remembering him, but also by carrying forward the principles and values he championed so passionately.
Thank you.