Manila, 23 October 2015 – ‘Strong UN. Better World.” is the global theme as the United Nations (UN) marks its 70th anniversary on 24 October 2015. The UN Philippines in collaboration with the Government of the Philippines is holding a series of activities to celebrate seven decades of partnership.
“The year 2015 is momentous for the United Nations. The development agenda for the coming 15 years has just been agreed by Member States – including the Philippines – the 2030 Agenda encapsulated in the shape of Sustainable Development Goals or the Global Goals,” UN Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren said today in his welcome remarks in a Department of Foreign Affairs and UN joint event held at the SM Mall of Asia to celebrate UN70. The event was joined by senior Government and UN officials, diplomats and dignitaries, partners and the media.
Throughout the seven decades, the United Nations has made countless and enduring achievements that have made a difference in the lives of millions of people: seeking peaceful resolution of disputes; being a constant advocate for human rights and the rule of law; supporting development; and, responding to humanitarian crises.
“The Philippines has been a committed partner in all of these achievements. As one of 50 original signatory countries to the United Nations Charter - in San Francisco on 26 June, 70 years ago - the Philippines holds a special and a proud place in the history of the United Nations. The UN, together with the Government and people of the Philippines, will continue to achieve more through our strong partnership,” Added Mr. Almgren.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario said, “Seventy years ago, the Philippines proudly joined 50 other nations in forging humanity’s alliance for lasting peace and prosperity – the United Nations. WE celebrate the first seven decades of the UN and its invaluable contributions to world peace, humanitarianism and development and its dynamic partnership with the Philippines.”
Secretary Del Rosario and Mr. Almgren ceremonially switched on the light up of the SM MoA Globe in UN blue to mark the UN70 celebration. The globe also projected 17 Global Goals icons with messages. The Philippines is the first country in the world to light up a famous landmark in UN Blue as part of the global “Turn the World UN Blue” campaign, to be followed by landmark structures around the world.
The celebratory event was enlivened by musical performances by WFP Goodwill Ambassador against Hunger KC Conception and UNICEF Celebrity Advocate Anne Curtis. And by an enthralling presentation by the Filipino shadow dance group El Gamma Penumbra.
An interactive exhibit showcasing the Sustainable Development Goals and photo exhibits, visibility items on different UN agencies’ work in the Philippines is open to the public on 23-24 October at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia.
In a statement on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said, “I am grateful our Member States are showing such strong enthusiasm in marking 70 years of UN support for peace, development and human rights. By turning the world UN Blue for a day, we can light the way to a better tomorrow.”
END
For more information, please contact:
Teresa Debuque, National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Manila:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 0917 500 0622
Public Information Services Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs
834-3000/4000
#PHUN70