Flag-off Remarks by USG Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for the UN in Kenya Team participating at the 2026 Inter‑Agency Games in Rene, Greece
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Distinguished Colleagues and Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to join you today as we flag off our incredible UN Nairobi team heading to Rene, Greece for the 2026 UN Inter-Agency Games (UNIAG)! Let me begin by saying just how proud I am of each one of you. To me, you are already champions!
I have a confession - I had every intention of joining you this year, if only to provide “moral support” and perhaps test my athletic skills somewhat. While circumstances beyond my control changed that plan, please know that my heart, and my competitive spirit will be with you all through.
We understand that many more colleagues would have loved to take part in this year’s games but were faced with logistical challenges. I would like to encourage the organizers that we all learn from this year’s experiences and together plan well ahead of time for next year’s event to ensure higher representation for the Kenya duty station, especially as I understand the venue for the next year is usually announced at the end of the current year games.
As we flag off our Kenya team for the 2026 UN Inter‑Agency Games, we are reminded that this event is about much more than competition and winning medals—it is about unity, resilience, teamwork, and the shared values that bind us as one UN family and yes of course, winning medals and proudly flying our flag too!
The Games offer a unique opportunity to connect beyond our daily responsibilities, strengthen friendships across agencies and duty stations, and celebrate the One UN spirit through sport. By stepping onto the field, court, or track, each of you represents not only your agency, but also the dedication, diversity, and determination that define the United Nations.
Whether you are competing, supporting, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation contributes to a powerful message: that wellbeing matters, collaboration matters, and that we are stronger together! Win or lose, what truly counts is the camaraderie we build, the respect we show one another, and the memories we create along the way.
We applaud the commitment, discipline, and teamwork demonstrated by all participants, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the organizers and volunteers whose efforts make these Games possible. Your energy and dedication inspire us all.
As you take part in the Inter‑Agency Games 2026, play with passion, compete with integrity, create new memories, support one another with pride and go for gold! May this experience renew our sense of purpose, strengthen our bonds across the UN system, and remind us that together, we can achieve great things—on and off the field.
Wishing all colleagues a safe, successful, and memorable Games. We are used to being the best! I trust you all to keep the Nairobi flag flying high! Trave safe and remember - One UN! One Team! One Spirit! Thank you all! Asanteni sana!