UN celebrates UN 70th Anniversary in Lebanon

UNIFIL Indian peacekeepers performing traditional dance at UN70 Ceremony hosted at Biel Center in Beirut.

The opening of UN70 Ceremony at Biel Centre in Beirut.

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag addressing the audience during the opening of UN70 Ceremony hosted at Biel Centre in Beirut.

During the panels and round tables held at the UN70 Ceremony on 21 October 2015.

UNIFIL Indonesian peacekeepers performing a traditional dance at UN70 Ceremony hosted at Biel Center in Beirut.

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21 Oct 2015

UN celebrates UN 70th Anniversary in Lebanon

The United Nations celebrated on 21 October 2015 the UN 70th anniversary at Biel in Beirut. The ceremony was observed under this year's theme: "Lebanon in the UN, the UN in Lebanon" and hosted by UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag.

Present at the ceremony were Lebanese authorities, Lebanese MPs and Ministers, representatives of UN agencies and political, religious and social figures as well as Ambassadors and reporters.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Sigrid Kaag introduced the ceremony after which she read the UN Secretary-General's message on this occasion: "Seven decades after its founding, the United Nations remains the beacon for all humanity. Our peacekeepers are on the front lines of conflict; our mediators bring warriors to the peace. 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 recognise their dedication - and to honour the many who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."

"Lebanon was given significant attention by the UN. There are 27 resolutions issued by the UN Security Council. UNIFIL's presence in Lebanon especially after 2006 played a major role in preserving Lebanon's security, the cease fire and the cessation of hostilities in south Lebanon," said Mr. Tareq Mitri Former Minister and Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs in Beirut during an interview.

Several panels and round tables were held during the ceremony which included a panel session on peace and security issues, on social justice, on human rights and the rule of law as well as a round table on youth issues, reforms and policies, a session on Lebanon 2030, and a round table on environment.

During the ceremony, the audience enjoyed traditional performances by UNIFIL's Indian and Indonesian peacekeepers.

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Article: Myrna Mahfouz
Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Video Camera: Suzane Badereddine/Mohamad Hamze
Photo: Pascual Gorriz Marcos
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