The UN at 70: in celebration of peace, human rights and development

Over 19,000 entered Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the United Nations Office at Geneva, when it opened its doors to the public on Saturday, 24 October, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the world organization.

During a recent lecture at Guildhall in London, England, UN Human Rights Chief, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, pondered on whether, 70 years on, the United Nations had succeeded in attempting to find “a different kind of world order, more peaceful and more just,” after the carnages of the first and second World Wars.

For the Geneva public, and the UN family the city hosts, the day was indeed a celebration filled with activities for the younger and older public. Guided tours of the imposing 20th century architecture building were favoured among the curious who seldom have a chance to stroll through the sinuous corridors of Palais des Nations, where high-level political solutions are shaped, and the paths of its 46 acre Ariana Park, one of the biggest and most prestigious parks in the city.

A new monumental sculpture by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto was unveiled at Ariana Park. The “Rebirth” composed of 193 stones, each representing a UN Member State, and sourced in UN Member countries, symbolizes a new world, recommitted to peace, human rights and well-being for all.

Others were interested in the work of the various agencies and programmes of the UN and fluttered about their exhibition booths to get better acquainted with their achievements and gather souvenirs. The celebration was also an opportunity for cultural activities with concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, film screenings and culinary discoveries with national dishes from across the globe.

The UN Human Rights Office was widely present during the celebration with a large stand displaying publications and promotional materials, as well as a human rights ‘photo booth’ where visitors could have their pictures taken whilst displaying a human rights message against torture; for universal rights, freedoms and equality; for the right to education; or for access to justice for all, for example.

The Stories on Human Rights short-film series, which were created by world famous artists and filmmakers to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, were presented in the cinema room. The Office also hosted a puppet show for children on human rights.

27 October 2015