7 December 2017, Dodoma: Yesterday, the United Nations in Tanzania became the first international organization to move to the new capital city, Dodoma. This was marked by the inauguration of the new United Nations Office by the Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim M. Majaliwa.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Amb. Dr. Augustine Mahiga (MP), Mpwapwa District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri, senior government officials, the UN Resident Coordinator, Heads of the seven (7) UN Agencies, UN staff, Dodoma secondary school students, cultural groups and members of the media.

The new office located on Mlimwa Street in Area D in the municipality, will house seven UN agencies as follows: the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

In his remarks, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa commended the UN for being the first within the international community to make the decision to open offices in the capital city. He expressed optimism that the UN has set an example that will encourage more international organisations and embassies to settle in Dodoma.

Citing progress that has been made since the government decision to shift to Dodoma, the Prime Minister said, “Since July 2016, 2,346 government officials including myself, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Directors have moved to the city. The Vice President, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan will move to Dodoma by end of December 2017 and we expect the President, H.E. Dr. John Pombe Magufuli to move any time next year”.

He further informed the audience that the government is committed to ensure that all the necessary infrastructure and services are in place including land, housing, water, electricity, schools and health facilities. The Prime Minister concluded by reassuring government’s full cooperation to the international community and organisations that will make the decision to have offices in Dodoma.

Remarks from the UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Country Representative echoed the great excitement by the UN family for achieving this important milestone and reiterated UN’s commitment to continue working closely with the government in supporting its five year’s Development Plan through the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP II) and the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking earlier on behalf of Regional Commissioner Binilith Mahenge, Mr. Jabir Shekimweri, Mpwapwa District Commissioner, promised that the regional authorities will accord the UN and other international organisations moving to Dodoma their full cooperation and support.

The event was concluded by the Prime Minister who cut the ribbon and invited guests to join him and visit the UN Office premises.