United Nations observes 77 years of service to humanity with a commemoration event in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 24 October 2022: The United Nations (UN) in the United Arab Emirates collaborated with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) on the 24th of October, commemorating this year's UN Day in collaboration with Dubai Media City, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, after last year's outstanding ceremony held at Al Wasl Dome in Expo 2020.

To mark the UN's 77 years of service to humanity and highlight the organization's ongoing strategic collaboration with the UAE government for more than 50 years, the office of the UN Resident Coordinator for the United Arab Emirates hosted a series of outreach events across the UAE.

On the occasion of this year's UN Day, the UN in the UAE also launched a short video titled "One UN," which focuses on the UN's collective efforts in and with the UAE. The video featured multiple UN agencies, showcasing the UN’s diverse areas of collaboration towards a more sustainable future where no one is left behind. Additionally, the event highlighted captivating stories from UN staff members and hosted media outlets for interviews and coverage, followed by a musical performance by members of the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra, based in Dubai Media City and home to some of the UAE’s leading young musicians, exemplified through music, the UN’s core objective of peace. As part of the celebrations, the UN emblem will be projected on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the ADNOC building in Abu Dhabi today.

The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra’s performance included a rendition of the Hymn to the United Nations, composed by Spain's Pablo Casals with lyrics provided by English poet W.H. Auden. The ensemble performed this piece last year at Expo’s main stage in Al Wasl Plaza, under the baton of Syrian-Czech maestro Riad Kudsi.

 “The UAE has always been a supporter of the UN’s global, regional and local efforts toward sustainable development. The UN in UAE continues to work together to realize our shared vision of a better world for all. We are proud to be convening the UN system and commemorating UN Day with our partners Dubai Media City and the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra.  The United Nations is built on the spirit of hope; and today as we mark the UN Day, we renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity,” said Mageed Yahia, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim for the UAE, and WFP Director in the UAE and Representative to the GCC.

Commenting on the event, Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, said: “We are pleased to be part of an event highlighting the Unites Nation’s ongoing strategic collaboration with the UAE government for more than 50 years. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and an important part of our long-term plans. Such events are integral to bringing together this extensive community to exchange knowledge, expertise and insights and advance the field on a global scale.”

The UN in UAE looks forward to a long-term strategic cooperation with Dubai Media City, a world-renowned media hub and a member of the TECOM Group PJSC in areas of mutual priority towards sustainable development and climate action.