The open day activities that took place at UNIOGBIS consisted of a photo exhibition on the work of the UN in country and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, questions and answers on the history of the Organization and discussion with UN staff over their experience working for the Organization.

“Since I came here I am very happy, satisfied with the various information they gave us. I thought that the United Nations was only a name, talking about peace, avoiding wars but did not fulfill what they promised but since I got here I do know what they are doing and I feel they are serious after all and they do a good job. Even if they go through difficult times in Guinea-Bissau with the current political situation, I think everything will be going well,” Maria, a 14 years old girl said.

For his part, Souleyman, 17, admitted: “We had already heard something about UNIOGBIS and the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 but today we learned that the world cannot develop without SDGs. It was also great to see the photo exhibition that explains each Goal and its relevance. Also, we were very pleased with the behavior of the employees, many doubts that we had were cleared and we had time to share some knowledge with them.”

The regional office of UNIOGBIS in Bafata also hosted the same activities attended by dozens of students from three public and private schools, members of Bafatá and Gabú women's political platform and some individuals.

Later on the message of the United Nations Secretary-General was read by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) in Guinea-Bissau, David McLachlan-Karr. “The world’s problems transcend borders. We have to transcend our differences to transform our future. When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable and just world,” António Guterres said.

Guinea-Bissau became a full member of the United Nations on 17 September 1974.