Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) – The United Nations in Bangkok will be celebrating United Nations Day this year on Friday, 22 October at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) with a special emphasis on the International Year of Rice.

Themed “Rice is Life”, the event will begin with a flag raising ceremony at the UNCC on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue in the morning, and follow with a programme which will include, with a video message from UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan, and remarks from the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand H.E. Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop. UN Resident Coordinator Mr. J.K. Robert England will officiate on behalf of UN family in Bangkok.

Among other activities are the presentation of prizes to winners of the UN essay writing contest sponsored by UNAT, musical performances by UNICEF children and a “Rice Dance” performed by students from Bhadungsit Pittaya School and Kosit Samosorn School.

UN Exhibitions will be displayed in relation to the theme “Rice is Life” with the kind cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, as well as in connection with the recent visit of UN Secretary-General. A UNESCAP exhibition from Shanghai 60th Commission (2004) will also be on display as well as posters from the UN specialized agencies.

The International Year of Rice aims to promote improved production and access to this vital food crop, which feeds more than half the world’s population while providing income for millions of rice producers, processors and traders.
The detailed programme is as follows:

08.20 hours - Flag-raising ceremony (song dedicated to the
United Nations)
08.50 hours - Arrival of His Excellency Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand at the United Nations Conference Centre
09.00 – 09.55 - United Nations Day addresses by :
Mr. Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations (video address)
Mr. J.K. Robert England, United Nations Resident Coordinator
Mr. Manaspas Xuto, President of the United Nations Association of Thailand (UNAT)
His Excellency, Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Prize-giving ceremony for winners of UN Essay Writing Contest, by UNAT
Closing song by Bhadungsit Pittaya School Choir
10.00 hours - His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand visits the exhibition
10.05 hours - “Rice Dance” performed by students from Kosit Samosorn School
and performance by UNICEF children
10.15 - onwards Refreshments with an emphasis on rice dessertsNote to editors: You and/or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the event.

Special interviews can be arranged with heads of UN agencies, on request.