On 24 October 1945 the United Nations’ Charter came into force. After 70 years this special anniversary is celebrated worldwide. 250 monuments, churches, temples, museums and other landmarks in 65 countries across the globe will be lit up blue - the UN official colour. Among these, Turin’s Mole Antonelliana, that thanks to Iren’s support will be lit up UN blue.
In Turin, the Municipality and its UN Campus - hosting the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO), the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) - asked students and children to share their birthday wishes for a better world.
“The best way to celebrate the United Nations is to listen to people and gather their views, especially the opinions of those who will face tomorrow’s global challenges”, said the Mayor of Turin, Piero Fassino.
An invitation to share thoughts on the United Nations’ Charter was sent by the UN Campus and the Municipality of Turin. Written on the ashes of the World War II, the Charter represents the founding document of the Organization that is committed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and promote justice and social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. The United Nations Charter principles are now more needed that ever and celebrating the UN Day is reaffirming them and strengthening the universal right to live in peace and prosperity.
The Mayor of Turin, Mr. Piero Fassino; the Director of ITCILO, Ms. Patricia O’Donovan; the Director of UNSSC, Mr. Jafar Javan and the Director of UNICRI, Cindy J. Smith, addressed the schools of Turin with a special message to remember the establishment of the United Nations, by asking children and young people to share their thoughts and images for a better world. The initiative underlines the global goals can only be achieved through collective participation and dialogue.
To send happy birthday wishes:
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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
Message on United Nations Day
24 October 2015
National flags are a mark of pride and patriotism in every country around the world. But there is only one flag that belongs to all of us.
That blue flag of the United Nations was a banner of hope for me growing up in wartime Korea.
Seven decades after its founding, the United Nations remains a beacon for all humanity.
Every day, the United Nations feeds the hungry and shelters those driven from their homes.
The United Nations vaccinates children who would otherwise die from preventable diseases.
The United Nations defends human rights for all, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.
Our peacekeepers are on the frontlines of conflict; our mediators bring warriors to the peace table; our relief workers brave treacherous environments to deliver life-saving assistance.
The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people, and cares for the earth, our one and only home.
And it is the diverse and talented staff of the United Nations who help bring the Charter to life.
The 70th anniversary is a moment to recognize their dedication – and to honour the many who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The world faces many crises, and the limits of collective international action are painfully clear. Yet no single country or organization can address today’s challenges alone.
The timeless values of the UN Charter must remain our guide. Our shared duty is to “unite our strength” to serve “we the peoples”.
To mark this anniversary, monuments and buildings across the world are being illuminated in UN blue. As we shine a light on this milestone anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to better and brighter future for all.