Memorial Ceremony: Late Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of UN Volunteer Programme

A memorial ceremony was held today at UN Headquarters for the late Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteer Programme (UNV). Secretary-General Kofi Annan described her as a natural citizen of the world inspired by a profound desire to help build better lives for others. He added, From the day Sharon set out into the world as a young volunteer, to her final contribution as head of UNV, this courageous woman never stopped quilting in the name of solidarity, for the benefit of all in one world. Sharon Capeling-Alakija passed away peacefully on 4 November 2003 in Bonn, Germany after a long battle with cancer. She was 59.
Mark Malloch Brown (left), Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and Louise Fréchette (right), Deputy Secretary-General, at the memorial ceremony.