UN Declares Nov. 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day, upon Saudi Arabia's Initiative

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed November 24 as World Conjoined Twins Day. This designation originates from an initiative put forth by Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the nucleus group composed of Bahrain, Morocco, Qatar, and Yemen.

 The commemorative day aims to raise awareness about conjoined twins from a humanitarian perspective and to celebrate the remarkable achievements in the field of conjoined-twin separation surgeries.

 Permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, delivered a speech at the UNGA, while presenting the draft resolution about the designation for adoption.

 Al-Wasil highlighted that the resolution aims to increase awareness about conjoined twins at various stages of their lives.

 He emphasized that the international community, through the Sustainable Development Goals, committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all individuals, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

 Al-Wasil added that this commitment underscores the need for fostering international and regional cooperation to ensure conjoined twins’ well-being and access to the highest quality healthcare, while promoting their human rights.

 Al-Wasil highlighted human health as a priority for the Kingdom, showcasing its leading role regarding conjoined-twin separation.

 The permanent representative expressed gratitude to the representatives of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their support throughout the drafting and negotiation phases of this resolution.