Sumida Ward's Tokyo Skytree, together with some 200 sites in 60 countries around the world, was illuminated with blue lights Saturday as part of a global celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.
The global body's "Turn the World U.N. Blue" campaign is designed to promote world peace. Blue is the official color of the U.N., symbolizing peace, human rights and development.
In Japan, a total of 13 landmarks took part in the event, including the Tokyo Skytree, Yokohama Marine Tower, Kanazawa Castle and Sapporo Clock Tower.
"The United Nations defends human rights for all, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation," stated U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his United Nations Day message.
"The timeless values of the U.N. Charter must remain our guide. Our shared duty is to 'unite our strength' to serve 'we the peoples.' To mark this anniversary, monuments and buildings across the world are being illuminated in U.N. blue. As we shine a light on this milestone anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to a better and brighter future for all."
The U.N. Headquarters in New York was lit up for two nights on Oct. 23 and 24. Other globally renowned landmarks, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Great Wall of China, Russia's Hermitage Museum, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, were also bathed in blue light Saturday for the event.
Oct. 24, 1945, is the date the U.N. Charter went into force, and has been celebrated as United Nations Day around the world since 1948.
