United Nations Week in Belarus

In 2015 the whole world remembers the most important events of the 20th century – the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations. These historical dates are of particular importance to Belarus that has made the greatest contribution to the victory over fascism and that became one of the founding members of the United Nations 70 years ago. Consistently advocating a world without wars and violence, Belarus continues to actively participate in key UN initiatives aimed at combating trafficking in human beings, terrorism, international crime and drug trafficking, minimizing the Chernobyl impact, developing cultural ties… In honor of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Organization all Belarusians joined in the festive calendar of events.

The UN Week in Minsk started with a solemn ceremony of planting a Tree of Peace and Sustainable Development with the participation of President Alexander Lukashenko, UN representatives in Belarus, and heads of diplomatic missions of foreign states. The weeping cherry was planted near the walls of the House-Museum of the old Loshitsa Manor which housed the Office of the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Mission right after the war.

This landmark event was yet another thing that has linked Minsk and New York where the Tree of Peace and Unity was planted in front of the UN headquarters on the initiative of Belarus on 5 May 2015.

As part of the commemorative events, UN70 Belarus Express set off on a seven-day journey around Belarus on 23 October from Minsk. It was a special jubilee project which had no analogues in the world. The passengers on the train were UN envoys, diplomats, journalists, athletes, artists, students, who got together to tell the public about the United Nations and cooperation for sustainable development, share important ideas and suggestions. About 250 events were held as part of this initiative in major cities of the country: discussions with representatives of the United Nations, seminars, creative events, film screenings, concerts ...

The most interesting events of the UN Week and the highlights of the UN70 Belarus Express journey are in our report.