..Press Release.......UNESCAP News Services

Date 17 October 2006
Press Release No. N/38/2006

MDGs highlighted through exhibitions, pledges, music and a host of activities on October 20th

FIGHTING POVERTY IS THEME FOR UN DAY IN BANGKOK

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) – The United Nations family in Thailand will celebrate 61 years of the United Nations on Friday, October 20th at the United Nation Conference Centre by focusing on the role of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in reducing poverty.

The programme begins with an official morning flag-raising ceremony, marching band by students from Wat Makutkasat School and the Thai Classical Music by UNESCAP staff members from 8:10 a.m., followed by a ceremony at UN Hall from 9 a.m. There will be musical performances including a string recital by members of the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra and speeches including the newly appointed Foreign Minister H.E. Nitya Pibulsonggram, representing the Royal Thai Government and the last message from outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

International school children will lead the audience in a pledge to stand up against poverty as part of the Millennium Campaign’s worldwide event.

The focus remains on young people with the launch of “Our United Nations”, a children’s cartoon book produced by the UN Information Services. After the programme there will be a MDG quiz and refreshments and music.

Guests will view an exhibition on the theme of the MDGs from the UN family of agencies and funds. The exhibition includes ten panels from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs exhibition on the King of Thailand’s human development projects.

Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, NGOs, students and the United Nations and international organizations will be attending.

The MDGs were adopted by 189 countries in the year 2000. The eight goals commit rich and poor countries to work together to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, ensure all boys and girls complete primary school, promote gender equality, improve the health of mothers and children, reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, protect the environment, and create a global partnership for development.

The evening programme features a fun Gala Dinner hosted by the UN Women’s Club of Thailand at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Ballroom with proceeds to charity.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Although UN Day falls traditionally on October 24th, the UN family will observe it on October 20th owing to public holidays in the UN and Bangkok. You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend beginning at 8 a.m. at the UN Conference Centre, UNESCAP, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok.

For further information, please contact:
David Lazarus
Chief, UN Information Services Bangkok
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1869 / -1867 Fax: +(66-2) 288-1052
Email: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

In order to facilitate the entrance and limited parking space, we would appreciate it if you could please confirm your attendance together with your transportation details (plate number, make, model & colour) to unisbkk.unescap@un.org or fax: 02 288 1052.

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