UN 75th anniversary: Europe’s monuments and buildings turn blue
- The United Nations officially began once the UN Charter had been ratified by Britain, China, France, the Soviet Union and the United States
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said international solidarity was urgently needed as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the globe
More than 150 monuments and buildings across Europe were lit up blue on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
The UN’s Palais des Nations headquarters in Geneva, the Grand Place in Brussels and Dublin Castle were among the locations to turn the shade of blue used on the UN flag.
The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when the UN Charter, agreed four months earlier, came into force.
Starting out with 51 original members, there are now 193, with South Sudan the latest to join in 2011.
“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,” it said in a statement.