Athens Commemorates UN Founding with Events and Historic Exhibition at Zappeion

Athens marked the anniversary of the United Nations Charter's implementation in 1945 with a series of events on Thursday, organised by the Greek Foreign Ministry, the Attica Region, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Greece.

The commemoration began with a ceremonial raising of the Greek and UN flags on the Acropolis, followed by speeches and wreath-laying at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Kotsiras emphasised the significance of this year's event, as Greece currently serves as an observer at the UN Security Council and will assume its seat as a non-permanent member on January 1, 2025. He highlighted Greece's commitment to "dialogue, diplomacy, and democracy" as guiding principles during its tenure.

Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR representative in Greece, delivered a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stressed the need for decisive global action to address today's challenges. Guterres noted that "hope needs all countries to work as one" to achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainability.

Alternate Attica Region Governor Christina Kefalogianni reflected on the UN’s founding mission in 1945 to prevent future wars and ensure a safer future, affirming that these goals remain as critical now as they were nearly eight decades ago.

Zappeion Hall Exhibition Highlights Greece’s History with the UNHCR

In conjunction with the event, the UNHCR and the Greek Foreign Ministry are hosting an exhibition at Zappeion Hall showcasing historical documents from Greece's collaboration with the UNHCR, dating from 1947 to 1963. The exhibit, open until Friday, highlights the UNHCR's over 70 years of continuous support to Greece, including assistance with refugee crises.

One notable item on display is a 1955 press release announcing Greece's donation of 30 tons of raisins to the UN Refugee Fund (UNREF), the first time UNREF received a gift in kind. Another document features a 1956 speech by Greek representative Constantine Efstathiadis, proposing the creation of a bust to honor the UNHCR's first High Commissioner, Gerrit van Heuven Goedhart, using Tinos island marble. Goedhart, who passed away in 1956, had dedicated the funds from his 1954 Nobel Peace Prize to supporting UNHCR projects in Greece.

These events and the Zappeion exhibition celebrate the enduring partnership between Greece and the UN, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.

(Source: Amna)