Egypt's Pyramids To Turn Blue to Celebrate the UN's 70th Anniversary

Egypt’s pyramids will turn blue on October 24^th, as more than 180 famous landmarks throughout the world will mark the United Nation’s 70^th anniversary that day.

The ancient monument will be lit blue in parallel with world landmarks across 50 other countries, including the Ancient city of Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Empire State Building in the United States, the Hermitage Museum in Russia, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Westminster Hall in England, the Tree of Heaven tower in Japan, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Alhambra Castle in Spain.

“We are pleased to partner with the United Nations to light up the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx with the blue color of the UN," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry. “Participating in this campaign gives Egypt a unique opportunity to highlight our commitment to the United Nations' principles of dignity and prosperity for all,” he added.

The Hashtags #UNBlue and #UN70 will be used across the globe to share images and cover the event, as hundreds of landmarks will be splashed with blue light. The United Nations’ anniversary coincides with Egypt's winning a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

Photo exhibit in Lebanon

Amongst the events organised across the Arab world, Lebanon will also be hosting a photography exhibition to commemorate the anniversary, entitled "We the Peoples," a striking collection of 70 photos highlighting the work and the people of the UN around the world. The exhibit, to be inaugurated on 24 October, will travel to three public venues through December 2015.