UNESCAP Celebrations of 58th Anniversary of the United Nations

"Ray of Hope for the Disadvantaged Persons"

UNESCAP celebrated the 58th anniversary of the United Nations on 24 October 2003 with a vibrant market, beautiful choir and a somber flag-raising ceremony in Bangkok.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Mr Korn Dabbaransi, was among the guests, as well as representatives from regional governments and non-governmental organizations, members of the private sector and civil society groups.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Flag-raising Ceremony

Security officers and Mr Kim Hak-Su, the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, participate in the flag-raising ceremony in front of the UN Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok.

Official Observance

The official ceremony for the anniversary of the United Nations was held in ESCAP Hall in the UNCC and was attended by over 400 guests. Highlights of the event included a video address from the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, as well as key speeches from the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E Mr Korn Dabbaransi, Mr Kim Hak-Su, the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP and Dr Manaspas Xuto, President of the United Nations Association of Thailand.

The Chualalongkorn University Chorus also performed several songs throughout the event.

	Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Korn Dabbaransi (right), with Mr. Kim Hak-Su, the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP.
	Mr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP.
	Mr Korn Dabbaransi, Deputy Prime Pinister of Thailand.
	Mr Korn Dabbaransi in ESCAP Hall, United Nations Conference Centre.
	Dr Manaspas Xuto, President of the United Nations Association of Thailand.
	UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, in a video message to UNESCAP.
	Participants.
	Chualalongkorn University Chorus at ESCAP Hall.
	Chualalongkorn University Chorus at ESCAP Hall.
	Youth Speak Out for Peace by Ms. Dithaya Bunyarataphandu.
	Ms. Dithaya Bunyarataphandu receives a bouquet from Mr. Kim.

The Eye-Glasses Campaign

In the spirit of the United Nations the anniversary of the organization was used to publicize the "Wan Kaew" (eye glasses) campaign by the Thai television network, UBC. The campaign focuses on collecting used eye glasses for poor and disadvantaged groups in Thailand, particularly for the elderly and children.

Dr. Kantima Kunjara, UBC's Corporate Communications Director, urged guests at the event to donate their old glasses.

	Dr. Kantima Kunjara from UBC talks about the "Wan Kaew" (eye glasses) campaign.
	The campaign's mascot.
	UN staff donate their old glasses cheered on by the "Wan Kaew" campaign's mascot.
	Mr Kim Hak-Su donates his old glasses for the elderly and children.
	Mr Kim Hak-Su donates his old glasses for the elderly and children.
	Mr Kim Hak-Su and Dr. Kantima Kunjara with campaign's mascot.
	Mr Kim Hak-Su and Dr. Kantima Kunjara with campaign's mascot.

Market Day at UN Conference Centre, Bangkok

Official UN Day ceremonies quickly came to a close and made way for a bustling street-style market inside the UNCC. Primary school students from the Padungsit Pittaya School gave a robust performance of songs from the musical, Oliver, while community groups for people with disabilities set up stalls selling everything from jewelry to handicrafts.

	Students from the Padungsit Pittaya School perform Oliver.
	Students from the Padungsit Pittaya School.
	Students from the Padungsit Pittaya School.
	Mr. Kim gives souvenir to students.
	UN staff enjoy the show by students.
	Students from the Padungsit Pittaya School.
	A bird's eye-view of the community market at the UNCC.
	Mr Kim browses through the market.
	UN staff supporting community groups for people with disabilities.
	UN staff supporting community groups for people with disabilities.
	A local artist with disability sells his drawings.
	Market stalls.
	Visitor inspects UN poster exhibition.
	Students speaks to UN staff after official ceremony.
	Students amidst the UN poster exhibition and displays.

To view the official UN Day page, click here. <http://www.un.org/av/special/unday03/ > or <http://www.un.org/events/unday/>

Click here to listen the audio messages.