The festival celebrating 70th anniversary of the United Nations was launched in Islamabad on 12 October, 2015. The opening event was held at the scenic and well known venue in Islamabad, Lok Virsa in the presence of about 300 prominent guests from over 50 diplomatic missions as well as international organizations, civil society academia, youth and media.

Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in his opening remarks drew wide attention to the achievements of the United Nations (UN) and to Pakistan’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping missions.

The UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne assured that the UN would continue its work on its core areas in Pakistan.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Rodolfo Martin Saravia and Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Fauzia Saeed highlighted the mutual importance of UN and Pakistan.

The Envoys music band featuring two ambassadors – Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Pakistan Nedim Makarevic at the electric guitar and vocals and Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata at the drums – presented songs in English and Urdu making reference to peace.

The guests of the event also became the first visitors of the photo exhibition about the UN that was opened at Lok Virsa exhibition gallery. “We the peoples” represents a historical overview of the work of the United Nations around the world and another part of the exhibition “Pakistani People and the United Nations” depicts the work of the 19 agencies, funds and programmes of the UN System in Pakistan.

Enjoy the photo story at https://www.flickr.com/gp/unitednations-pakistan/v31006