On the 24th October 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai celebrated the United Nations Honour day. Putting on a worldly show on the Stage of Nations, Al Wasl Plaza. The day also marked the 76th anniversary of the United Nations.
The Executive Director of the Commissioner General, Expo 2020 Dubai, Mr Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali welcomed several dignitaries from the United Nations (UN), led by UN Deputy Secretary-General, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed alongside Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo Maher Nasser, the UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE Dena Assaf, UN Country Team leadership.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Najeeb said “the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on an unprecedented global challenge but as an international community we have endured, the UAE is proud to play a significant role in facilitating the distribution and mobilization of COVID-19 vaccines,”
“We firmly believe that our Expo is a timely opportunity to work together towards addressing global challenges in the hope of building a brighter and more beautiful celebration for future generations to come.” he concluded.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed said “today we celebrate 76 years of making hope, solidarity and working together to overcome common challenges; challenges that have grown and multiplied under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing inequality and the climate emergency. As challenges escalate, our determination to work hand in hand to create a better future must rise”.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, Dr. Dina Assaf emphasised that various forms of creative arts such as paintings, music and photography have been used to put the work of the UN in the spotlight.
“The UAE has always been supportive of the efforts of the United Nations globally, regionally and locally, and it is our pleasure to have the opportunity to celebrate this special day” she remarked.
Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020 Maher Nasser said: “Our presence at Expo 2020 offers the opportunity to build awareness about and support for the SDGs, the importance of individual actions, solidarity, hope and engagement. To build a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet, we need to work together.”
The dignitaries and Expo 2020 audience got to see a cultural performance by the UAE classical music team as well the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra performed a special “Hymn to the United Nations”, which was composed 50 years ago by legendary cellist, composer and conductor Pablo Casals to commemorate the work of the United Nations on 24 October 1971.
The UN Hub is in the Mission Possible-Opportunity Pavilion, presenting an opportunity for visitors to discover a unique depiction of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through artworks of local and international artists. Additionally, an outdoor photo exhibition titled “#TheWorldWeWant”, will display curated photographs from more than 50,000 images from over 130 countries, expressing hopes and dreams for the future.
