Pakistani people and United Nations – human stories through photography

Lahore, 16 April 2015: A picture is worth a thousand words and does not need any translation. Mr. Vittorio Cammarota, Director of the United Nations Information Centre mentioned this adage referring to photography as a powerful communications tool.

The occasion was a UN photo exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, “Pakistani People and United Nations – Human stories through photography”, which opened on April 17 at the City Heritage Museum in Lahore. The exhibition, produced in collaboration with the National College of Arts (NCA) and the Lahore Museum, includes two collections of professional photos.

“Pakistani People and United Nations” showcased 74 professional photographs documenting human stories in the main areas of UN work in Pakistan: education, employment, food security, health, gender equality and social justice, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, rule of law and governance.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary, a special section from “We the people” collection presented a unique view of the United Nations’ history and its engagement with people from all over the world since its founding in 1945.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Jacqui Badcock, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, a.i., commended the cooperation and support extended by the Lahore Museum and the National College of Arts in organising the exhibition in Lahore. She hoped that the exhibition will offer people an opportunity to learn about the support provided to the people of Pakistan by agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations.”

Mr. Quddus Mirza, Head of the Fine Art Department at the National College of Arts, and a renowned artist and art critic, observed that the multi-sector range of United Nations’ contributions, from development issues to humanitarian work, is well captured in these photographs and will make learning about the work of the United Nations much easier for the younger generation than learning about it through publications.

Ms. Sumaira Samad, Director Lahore Museum, in her welcome remarks expressed her appreciation for representation of stories of the people of Pakistan through powerful photography in the exhibition.

The exhibition remained open to public at the City Heritage Museum in Lahore from 16 April until 17 May 2015.