To celebrate the UN's 70th anniversary, the UN buildings in Ethiopia have been lit up blue in the lead up to UN Day, 24 October. The effort is part of a global campaign aimed at uniting global citizens to promote the message of peace, development and human rights. A flag-raising ceremony on the ECA compound will officially mark UN day on 24 October at 8:30 am, followed by public celebrations at the Addis Ababa National Stadium and an evening symphony orchestra at the Addis Ababa National Theatre.
More than 200 iconic monuments, buildings, statues, bridges, and other landmarks in nearly 60 countries across the globe will also be lit up blue. To watch the campaign online, follow the hashtag #UN70 and #UNBlue for videos and images of landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, New York's Empire State Building, Tokyo's SkyTree Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Diana The Huntress Fountain in Mexico, the Hermitage in Russia, Edinburgh Castle and Central Hall Westminster in the UK, and Alhambra in Spain.