UN POSTER ART EXHIBITION - FOR A BETTER WORLD - COMES TO BANGKOK

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- The first ever exhibition of "collectors' item" posters published by the United Nations and its sister agencies - For a Better World - will be shown in Bangkok from 14-25 October as part of an international tour. Consisting of approximately 100 posters, it provides an artistic overview by some of the world renowned artists of the most important undertakings of the United Nations, such as peacekeeping; development; the environment; the fight against hunger, poverty and illiteracy; human rights; and disarmament.

The exhibition is being organized under the patronage of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Mrs. Nane Annan. Sponsors include the United Nations System in Thailand, the United Nations Department of Public Information and Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, and is presented by the United Nations Information Services / UNESCAP.

For a Better World will be exhibited from 14 - 25 October 2002 in the Reception Lobby of the United Nations Conference Centre, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok. Viewing hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; admission is free.

The exhibition is not only of historical interest. It documents visually the concerns and priorities of the international community during the last century, but also has intrinsic artistic value. Many famous names are associated with the United Nations family's poster campaign, which has proved to be one of its most effective tools in publicizing universal aims and ideals.

A Picasso dove, for example, graces the very first United Nations poster of 1946. In 1978, Joan Miró applied his talents to the commemoration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Several of Robert Rauschenberg's works will be on display, as will the distinctive expressions of New York graffiti artist Keith Haring. Other names include Jean Michel Folon and photographer Sebastiao Salgado.

The exhibition made its debut at United Nations Headquarters in New York in December 2000. Since then it has travelled to Paris, Geneva, Berlin, Warsaw, Oslo, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagasaki. Following Bangkok, the Exhibition will travel to Yangon and then on to San Francisco where the United Nations Charter was signed some 55 years ago.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, and Mr. J.K. Robert England, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, will open the exhibition at 10:30AM on Monday, 14 October 2002.

For further information please contact:

Mr. David Lazarus
Chief, United Nations Information Services
United Nations Building
Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200
Tel. +66(0)2 2881234; Fax: +66(0)2 2881052
Email: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

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