UN office in Geneva launches countdown to UN's 70th anniversary

The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is launching a 70-day countdown to the United Nation's historic 70th anniversary in October with a social media campaign, the Press and External Relations office of UNOG said Friday.

According to UNOG, starting Aug. 16 and every day until Oct. 24, UNOG's Twitter account and Facebook page will feature interesting facts and archival photos about the UN in Geneva and the Organization's history, honoring its accomplishments, decisive moments and individuals who have changed the world through words and actions.

The campaign will also release special video messages with world leaders and other personalities, including musicians Miguel Bose, Juanes and Youssou N'Dour, and actor Forest Whitaker, among others.

On Oct. 24, UNOG will open the doors of the Palais des Nations to the public to celebrate the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945.

"We urge everyone to save the date and visit the Palais for a unique open day," says Michael Moller, director general of the UN Office at Geneva.

The open day, Geneva's key event marking the anniversary, will feature concerts, ballet performances, art and photo exhibitions, free guided tours of the Palais and the Museum of the League of Nations, children's and sporting activities, and much more.

The inauguration of the sculpture Rebirth, a new artwork in Ariana Park by Italian artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, will also take place as part of the celebrations.