United Nations turns 75; world honours the organization by going blue
The Palais des Nations and the Jet d'eau in Geneva, as well as the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, were among more than 250 emblematic buildings and monuments in Europe that were lit up in blue this Saturday, 24 October to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).
From the Torre de Belém in Lisbon, the Grand Place in Brussels or the Peace Palace in The Hague, and the bridges crossing Turin’s Po river as well as the town halls of Madrid, Barcelona and Valladolid, buildings, fountains and plazas across Europe that were flooded in blue to mark the day when, 75 years ago, the United Nations Charter came into force. (See full list of participating cities.)
But Europe was not alone to honour the Organization this way. In New York, the Empire State Building could be seen glowing in blue, as well as the pyramids of Cairo.
We the peoples
With 193 Member States, including Switzerland which joined in 2002, the United Nations has spanned the decades helping millions of people to escape the yoke of poverty, gain access to education and health, have their fundamental rights respected, and enjoy better livelihoods thanks to the adoption of instruments such as the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also helped the world avoid a third world conflict - the main reason it was created - and remain relatively peaceful.
Recognizing the many strides the Organization has made over the years, UN Secretary-General António Guterres says “our founding mission is more critical than ever."
As we face the COVID-19 pandemic and the many challenges stressing our planet, “the Sustainable Development Goals give us an inspiring blueprint for recovering better,” he adds.
“We face colossal challenges. With global solidarity and cooperation, we can overcome them. That’s what the United Nations is all about. The United Nations not only stands with you… The United Nations belongs to you and is you: ‘we the peoples’.”
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UN made the world a better place
A survey conducted throughout the year to assess people’s perception of the UN shows that six out of 10 respondents believe the United Nations, since its inception, has made our planet a better place. Also, 87 per cent of respondents believe cooperation and solidarity at the international level are essential ingredients to effectively face today’s global challenges.
The full results of the survey, answered by more than one million people, were presented at the General Assembly in September to help the Organization shape a vision for the future and better face the challenges of tomorrow.
“People also said they wanted the UN to be more inclusive and diverse, more transparent, accountable and efficient,” says Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva. "We will have to redouble our efforts to maintain or gain the trust and esteem of our audiences."
“The UN Geneva, International Geneva and Switzerland have carved out a reputation for themselves as places where exchanges and discussions can take place in the greatest confidence and neutrality,” she adds. "We will continue, thanks to the diversity of actors there, to stimulate international cooperation and strengthen multilateralism, which is currently in an important phase of transition."