United Nations flags flew at half-mast around the world to honour the 157 people killed in Ethiopian Airlines crash, including at least 21 UN workers.
Speaking to delegates attending the opening of the Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday morning, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said it was “a sad day for many around the world, and for the UN in particular.”
“A global tragedy has hit close to home, and the United Nations is united in grief,” he said, extending his “deepest condolences” to the relatives and loved ones of all those who died.
“Our colleagues were women and men, junior professionals and seasoned officials, hailing from all corners of the globe and with a wide range of expertise,” he said, adding that “they all had one thing in common. A spirit to serve the people of the world and make it a better place overall.”
“Let us honour the memory of our colleagues, by keeping their spirit of service alive,” he concluded, before a minute of silence was observed.