On the sideline of the 68th General Assembly of the United Nations which opened today in New York, Spouses of Heads of State and Government at a luncheon hosted by Mrs. Michelle Obama resolved to work harder, to improve the lots of women and children particularly in the areas of education and health.
The Spouses gathered at the Studio Museum in Harlem, sharing experiences on better ways of achieving the MDG goals 2,3,4, 5 and 6 in line with the theme of the 68th General Assembly.
Mrs. Obama asked them to avail themselves the opportunity of the gathering to exchange ideas on better ways of making life better for the women and children of their countries.
First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was at the luncheon where she expressed the importance of private sector partnership in support of health and education programmes in order to attain the 2015 target of the MDGs.
Dame Patience Jonathan also stressed the need for Non Governmental Organizations to be strengthened and supported, in their efforts to improve the well being of women and children.
She informed the gathering about her philanthropic activities geared towards empowering women and youths to become self reliant and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.
While describing the meeting as a genuine platform to advance mutually beneficial relationships, the First Lady assured her colleagues of her commitment to the goal of a brighter future for the women and youths.
The Spouses took advantage of the gathering to engage in dialogue, seek collaboration and partnerships to realize the objectives of their different efforts back home.
The Spouses in groups undertook a brief tour of the museum’s collection following which they enjoy a dance performance by the students of the Dance Theater of Harlem, as well as a musical performance by Tony-Award winning actress, Audra McDonald.
The Studio Museum Harlem is an American contemporary art museum, devoted to the work of African-American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Similarly, the wife of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mrs. Ban Soon-taek hosted a welcoming reception for the Spouses of Heads of State and Government attending the 68th General Assembly at her no 3 Sutton Place residence in New York.
It was another avenue for the Spouses to interact, exchange ideas and explore possible areas of collaboration.
The First Lady earlier in the day was at the General Assembly to listen to the statement by Nigeria, delivered by President Goodluck Jonathan.
