Swiss landmarks turn blue to mark UN 75th birthday
Parts of the Geneva United Nations building were illuminated blue on Saturday evening
Keystone / Salvatore Di Nolfi
The Palais des Nations and the Jet d'eau in Geneva are among more than 180 European buildings and monuments that were illuminated blue on Saturday evening to mark the UN’s 75th anniversary. Also taking part was the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
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. Switzerland joined in 2002.
“The UN Geneva, International Geneva and Switzerland have carved out a reputation for themselves as places where exchanges and discussions can take place in the greatest confidence and neutrality,” Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva, said in a statementExternal link ahead of the lighting of the UN’s Geneva HQ.
“We will continue, thanks to the diversity of actors there, to stimulate international cooperation and strengthen multilateralism, which is currently in an important phase of transition.”
External Content
Iconic buildings and landmarks around Europe are going blue for #UNDayExternal link.
Among the other events held to mark the anniversary was aSwiss-UN SocietyExternal link (GSUN) public event on Switzerland’s candidacy for the Security Council.
The country is aiming for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council in 2023-2024.
The online event featured Pascale Baeriswyl, head of the Swiss UN mission in New York, and Michael Møller, the former director of the UN in Geneva.
Joseph Deiss, who was Swiss foreign minister at the time of Switzerland’s joining of the UN, opened the meeting. He said Swiss neutrality was no problem for its UN work.
Baeriswyl said that among the factors key for a successful candidacy were a good reputation and fruitful cooperation.
The Swiss candidacy for the seat is currently in its end phase, but elections won’t take place until June 2022.
More
Opinion
More
Too small to succeed? Switzerland’s candidacy for the UN Security Council
This content was published on
Two decades after joining the UN, Switzerland now has its sights on a seat on the Security Council.
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Ex-diplomat warns Switzerland about UN Security Council bid
This content was published on
Switzerland would subject itself to unwelcome political pressure should it get a seat on the UN Security Council, says a former Swiss ambassador.
Switzerland merits seat on UN Security Council, says minister
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says Switzerland deserves a non-permanent seat on the Security Council in 2023-2024.
This content was published on
Is there hope for the United Nations in its 75th year? A look at what people think of the organisation and whether it needs change.
This content was published on
In a major shift at the foreign ministry, the state secretary for foreign affairs, Pascale Baeriswyl, is to move from Bern to New York.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.