UNITED NATIONS DAY
24 October 2002

BANGKOK (United Nations Information Services)-The 57th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations will be celebrated with a variety of activities to mark the United Nations Day on 24 October 2002. H.E. Mr. Korn Dabbaransi, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand will inaugurate the event.

The celebration will begin with the official ceremony from 8:15 to 9: 30 am at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok The programme includes a flag-raising ceremony followed by the viewing of the joint United Nations classic posters exhibition on "For A Better World", the exhibition of "Art for All" and "Peace Message Art " created by a famous Korean/Japanese artist, Ms. Hiroko Sai.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, President of the United Nations Association and the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand will deliver remarks.

The observance will continue with the publicity walk along Rajadamnern Avenue. At 9:30, the Deputy Prime Minister will light the Olympic torch to launch the Thai Government's Sport Campaign on "Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, and Healthy Nation-In Youth We Care!". The Deputy Prime Minister Dabbaransi will lead the publicity walk with the UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Heads of UN agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Thai dignitaries and senior Government officials as well as UN staff member and civil society along Rajadamnern Avenue from the United Nations Conference Centre to the memorial statue of King Rama V in front of Suan Amphorn.

On Sunday, 27 October, the 20th annual UN Day 10 Km International Run will start and finish in front of the UN Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue. Starting times are 06: 25 a.m. for wheelchair athletes and 06:30 a.m. for the 10 KM Run. Over 8,000 runners are expected to participate in this event which attracts the largest number of athletes, both local and foreign, of any road race in Thailand. The route passes by the Marble Temple, Chitralada Palace, Khoa Din Zoo, the National Library, and the streets of old Bangkok.

A special "Marafun for Kids" is also organized with the kind permission of the Royal Thai Army. The Marafun starts at 06:30 a.m. in the Royal Thai Military Headquarters adjacent to the UN Building. The Marafun is open to all children below the age of 12 years old.

All proceeds from the UN Day Run are donated by the organizers to Thai charities particular those devoted to helping people with disabilities, especially children.

NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are invited to attend both events on Thursday, 24 October which will commence at 8:15 a.m. at the flagpole area outside the United Nations Conference Centre and at 9:30 the Publicity walk along Rajadamnern Avenue. The UN Day 10 Km International Run on Sunday, on Sunday, 27 October will begin at 6:30 outside the UN Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue. DUE TO TIGHT SECURITY, PLEASE KINDLY BRING YOUR PRESS ACCREDITATION.

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