24th October 2015 is observed as the United Nations Day which marked its 70th Anniversary. It was a part of United Nations Week from 20 to 26 October. A range of activities and events were organized to celebrate this special year.
Theme: Strong UN Better World
Aim: To recognize the achievements of the United Nations Organization.
- UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
- It was first celebrated in 1948 and since then it is observed annually.
- In 1971 UN General Assembly recommended that United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all United Nations member states (UN member states – 193).
- UN emblem shows two olive branches – the symbol for peace.
Global landmarks are lit as part of the “Turn the World UN Blue” Campaign
In a bid to unite global citizens and promote the message of peace, development and human rights, more than 200 iconic monuments, buildings, statues, bridges and landmarks in nearly 60 countries across the globe were lit up blue on UN Day. The campaign was started off from Sydney Opera House, Australia.
- In India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was lit up blue to mark the day.
Art Installation “Enlightened Universe”
Renowned artist, Cristobal Gabarron unveiled his monument in New York’s Central Park entitled “Enlightened Universe”
- The monument is an interactive sculpture formed by a sphere and surrounded by a spiral of 70 figures – one for each of the 70 years since the UN was created.
