Columbia University and UNRWA held two panel debates to examine both UNRWA’s role in a historical context and the contribution of Palestine refugees to regional economic and social development. The first panel was entitled “UNRWA’s historical performance in a changing context”. The second panel was entitled “The contribution of Palestine refugees to economic and social development in the region”.

Read Karen AbuZayd’s speech
Read Susan Akram’s speech (Word)
Read Ilter Turkmen’s speech (Word)
Read Rex Brynen’s speech (PDF)

The Commissioner-General opened the session along with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority and the President of the General Assembly, Ali Abdussalam Treki. A series of panel debates around the theme "Contributing to a Better Future: UNRWA’s Record and the Road Ahead" have been convened. A group of ministers representing the different groupings of the General Assembly are speaking. Håkon Gulbrandsen, Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway, delivered a summary of the meeting’s proceedings.

Read full details of the meeting

President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, Queen Rania of Jordan and UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro unveiled a banner commemorating UNRWA’s 60^th anniversary alongside UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd. This banner will hang inside the Delegates’ Lounge, and another, larger banner will adorn the outside of the General Assembly Building.

Watch a video of the event
Watch UNRWA AT 60 - Providing hope
Read Queen Rania’s speech
Read Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiri’s remarks

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami and Oxford Professor Karma Nabulsi debated the role that Palestine refugees play in the Middle East peace process. Daniel Kurtzer, former US Ambassador to Egypt and Israel, moderated their discussion, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd responded to their comments.

Both Ben-Ami and Nabulsi gave forward-looking perspectives on how refugees would be involved in finding a solution to the conflict. Their comments were extremely timely, given the flurry of diplomatic activity surrounding the Middle East peace process and US President Barack Obama's remarks at the General Assembly debates this week.

Read Shlomo Ben-Ami’s speech
Read Karma Nabulsi’s speech

UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd appeared live on the Riz Khan Show to discuss UNRWA’s work throughout its 60 years.

Watch the video – part 1 | part 2

Commemorative Book Launch

UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd and spokesperson Chris Gunness unveiled a commemorative 60th anniversary book including wishes of support from over 80 countries. This event launched UNRWA’s week of anniversary activities at the UN General Assembly.
Watch a webcast of the launch
Read about the launch

Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Karen Koning AbuZayd, today announced a week-long series of events in New York to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Agency’s creation, which would culminate with an “UNRWA @ 60” ministerial-level event on 24 September. Read the full text