Irene PadoveseSpeaking about what is going on all around the world, me and a group of colleagues came up with the fact that seventy years ago this time fifty Heads of State gathered in San Francisco and signed the Charter of the United Nations.
We cannot deny that there is a widespread and popular discredit of this supranational organization. Even if most of its failures are evident, and its limits well-defined, I am always positive about the great potential that could spring from cooperation and dialogue between nations.
Perhaps seventy years are not enough to erase wars and poverty from the world’s surface (which is also an extremely demanding task, given the principle of non-interference in other’s nation’s business and the unbalanced division of decisional power within the Security Council) but in the meanwhile, there is a lot more to speak about.
From a cultural and communicative point of view, the United Nations still manage to create strong awareness, to supply statistics, create job vacancies and sow the seeds of great cultural exchanges.
Check the interesting events that are taking place all around the world in order to celebrate this special anniversary. Many others meetings and exhibitions have already been performed, but luckily we still have some months until the year ends. Have a look-I bet you’d like to participate at least to one of them!
#1 “AROUND THE WORLD IN 70 DAYS”- BRUSSELS
A French artist named Yak created a digital ambassador – it has no face, no body, no gender- and its name is Elyx. This special mascotte will travel all around the UN missions and offices across the globe. Elyx’s journey will begin on 15 August, and end on 24 October at UN Headquarters in New York. The adventure will be documented and closely followed on various social media channels using #UN70. To follow Elyx’s journey around the world, visit the website HERE.
#2 JOURNALISM AWARD CONTEST – IRAN
The UN in the Islamic Republic of Iran organises a contest which aims to highlight the organization’s appreciation of journalists’ efforts to cover UN work in Iran. It also aims to increase and encourage proactive and professional media coverage. Five winners will be selected and will receive a prize and certificate in October, during the UN Day.
#3 UN OPEN DAY – SWITZERLAND, GENEVA
On October 24, a special event will take place at the Palais des Nations and the surrounding area of Ariana Park. Lectures, stands and videos will be hold and everyone is welcomed to join and learn more about UN history and work. Thousands are expected for this extraordinary event which brings together UN agencies, funds and programmes, organizations, Permanent Missions and NGOs
#4 SHOW AT BOLSHOI THEATRE – RUSSIA
An event at the Bolshoi Theatre dedicated to the UN’s 70th Anniversary will take place on 21 October. Organised by The Russian National Committee for the Observance of UN70, the event will include one act ballets staged by famous choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. The Russian Prime Minister and many other important figures in the international panorama are expected to give a speech.
#5 “WE THE PEOPLES OF PHOTO EXHIBITION” –LEBANON
A striking exhibition of 70 photos highlighting the work and the people of the UN around the world, and in Lebanon, will be inaugurated on 24 October.
#6 TEAMING UP WITH YOUTH – TURKEY
This is great! “UNIC Ankara is planning to cooperate with Ankara University Faculty of Communications to promote the UN priorities in 2015. Students will prepare public information campaigns to promote the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations and to encourage a meaningful climate change agreement; and an effective post-2015 development agenda.” A great opportunity to participate in the process!
#7 UK and USA: SPOTLIGHT ON THE UN AND INTERNATIONAL LAW – LONDON
The think-tank Chatham House, and New York University’s School of Law – one of the world’s leading legal academic institutions – will both join the United Nations by holding international conferences that explore role of the UN in the development of international law over the past seven decades. These conferences will be held on 16 October 2015 in London and on 1st November 2015 in New York, USA.
#8 UN DAY CONCERT – NEW YORK
United Nations Day, celebrated annually on 24 October, is dedicated to the global efforts and achievements of the UN. The traditional UN Day Concert is performed in the UN General Assembly Hall and serves as an occasion to highlight, celebrate and reflect on the work of the United Nations and its family of agencies through the universal language of music.
This year’s observance will take place on Friday, 23 October with a special concert featuring a Korean Traditional Music Orchestra and other renowned international artists.
Don’t forget to stay tuned and celebrate on 23 and 24 October!
Hall- UN Headquarters- New York via Flickr