Porto turned blue to honour the United Nations 75th anniversary

Porto joins the Turn Europe UN Blue initiative to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. The Palácio da Bolsa was lit up in blue to mark this landmark occasion, on the evening of 24th October. Porto and other municipalities all over the country commemorated this landmark date and joined the over 180 iconic buildings and monuments that were lit in blue to raise awareness on the importance of uniting global citizens, promoting the universal language of peace, as well as sustainable development and human rights, promoting hope in these indefinite times and highlight support for the aims and ideals of the United Nations. 

The UN Charter mandates that there be "equality and self-determination of nations, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the obligation of member countries to obey the Charter, to cooperate with the UN Security Council and to use peaceful means to resolve conflicts".

The Turn Europe UN Blue initiative is held with the support of UN Under-Secretary-General Fabrizio Hochschild, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Commemoration of the United Nations 75th anniversary.

In total, over 20 countries in West Europe joined this initiative that saw the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels, the Dublin Castle, the Palácio de Cibeles, in Madrid and the Peace Palace in The Hague among the iconic monuments and building to be lit in blue.

According to Fabrizio Hochschild, this European action aimed at "reminding everyone of the universal value of peace, sustainable development, and human rights in these indefinite times".

In turn, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, former Prime Minister of Portugal, António Guterres, enhanced that "this institution's mission is now more crucial than ever", furthering that the world is "facing colossal challenges and t that with "global solidarity and "cooperation" these challenges can be overcome. António Guterres also urged that "all nations should be United, everywhere".

See here the full list of adhering entities.