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12,000 PEOPLE SPEND THE DAY AT THE PALAIS DES NATIONS’ OPEN HOUSE MARKING UNITED NATIONS DAY
18 October 1998
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M/98/34
18 October 1998
The United Nations Office at Geneva widely opened the doors of the Palais des Nations and the Park of the Ariana today and welcomed around 12,000 visitors who joined in celebrating United Nations Day in a lively and happy atmosphere. Hundreds of families and children came from around Switzerland and France to participate in the many activities organized by the United Nations.
During the course of the Day, which this year focused on human rights, a dialogue was held between visitors and representatives of the United Nations system with the main aim of demonstrating exactly how the United Nations contributes to the protection and promotion of human rights in the world. Information booths, grouped according to the five categories of activities of the United Nations, demonstrated how human rights were an intrinsic and essential component of UN activities in all fields. A question and answer session was held between youth and representatives of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN Day this year also focused on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Federal State of Switzerland. In the name of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Yves Berthelot, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, presided over a round table on Switzerland and the United Nations. Also participating in the round table were Ruth Dreifuss, Vice President of Switzerland; Ulrich Zimmerli, President of the Council of States of Switzerland; representatives of the Cantons of Bern and Geneva; and Mary Robinson, High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Canton of Bern was host of honour for the Day and organized a three-hour cultural programme with a dozen traditional and multicultural groups whose members performed dances and songs. Visitors also were entertained by a folkloric group from Valais, Fanny Jones singing gospel songs, as well as a choir which played the 21st cantata of Jean-Sebastien Bach. The choir performance was organized by ATD-Quart Monde to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October).
A 24-year-old Genevoise, Antonia Verdu, won the first prize in the “Treasure Hunt at the United Nations” competition after correctly answering all the questions about United Nations activities. She won a trip for two to New York which includes a visit to United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The 12,000 persons who visited the Palais des Nations today join 100,000 who have already toured the premises this year. The Visitors’ Service of the Office arranges guided tours for many individuals and groups from Switzerland and around the world all year round.
18 October 1998
The United Nations Office at Geneva widely opened the doors of the Palais des Nations and the Park of the Ariana today and welcomed around 12,000 visitors who joined in celebrating United Nations Day in a lively and happy atmosphere. Hundreds of families and children came from around Switzerland and France to participate in the many activities organized by the United Nations.
During the course of the Day, which this year focused on human rights, a dialogue was held between visitors and representatives of the United Nations system with the main aim of demonstrating exactly how the United Nations contributes to the protection and promotion of human rights in the world. Information booths, grouped according to the five categories of activities of the United Nations, demonstrated how human rights were an intrinsic and essential component of UN activities in all fields. A question and answer session was held between youth and representatives of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN Day this year also focused on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Federal State of Switzerland. In the name of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Yves Berthelot, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, presided over a round table on Switzerland and the United Nations. Also participating in the round table were Ruth Dreifuss, Vice President of Switzerland; Ulrich Zimmerli, President of the Council of States of Switzerland; representatives of the Cantons of Bern and Geneva; and Mary Robinson, High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Canton of Bern was host of honour for the Day and organized a three-hour cultural programme with a dozen traditional and multicultural groups whose members performed dances and songs. Visitors also were entertained by a folkloric group from Valais, Fanny Jones singing gospel songs, as well as a choir which played the 21st cantata of Jean-Sebastien Bach. The choir performance was organized by ATD-Quart Monde to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October).
A 24-year-old Genevoise, Antonia Verdu, won the first prize in the “Treasure Hunt at the United Nations” competition after correctly answering all the questions about United Nations activities. She won a trip for two to New York which includes a visit to United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The 12,000 persons who visited the Palais des Nations today join 100,000 who have already toured the premises this year. The Visitors’ Service of the Office arranges guided tours for many individuals and groups from Switzerland and around the world all year round.