Guatemala, October 25, 2012. Yesterday, an event was held at the National Palace of Culture (Guatemala City) to commemorate United Nations Day. The diplomatic corps, sectors of civil society, representatives of the United Nations, and government authorities were all present.

The head table included Guadalupe Bervejo, Representative of the Pan American Health Organization; Jorge Villavicencio, Minister of Public Health; René Mauricio Valdés, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Guatemala; Mirna Montenegro, Director of the Reproductive Health Observatory; and Nancy Hossman, Deputy Director of USAID.

As part of the celebration, the Government of Guatemala signed an information and accountability pledge for women's and children's health to reduce maternal and infant mortality and ensure reproductive health at a global level by 2015.

In addition, René Mauricio Valdés, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Guatemala, presented an award to race walker Erick Barrondo in recognition for his efforts in winning a silver medal at the last Olympic Games in London, England.