Bangkok--Oct 21--UNISBKK
The United Nations in Bangkok will be celebrating United Nations Day this year on Friday, 22 October at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) with a special emphasis on the International Year of Rice.
Themed "Rice is Life", the event will begin with a flag raising ceremony at the UNCC on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue in the morning, and follow with a programme which will include, with a video message from UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan, and remarks from the Deputy Prime
Minister of Thailand H.E. Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop. UN Resident Coordinator
Mr. J.K. Robert England will officiate on behalf of UN family in Bangkok.
Among other activities are the presentation of prizes to winners of the UN
essay writing contest sponsored by UNAT, musical performances by UNICEF children and a "Rice Dance" performed by students from Bhadungsit Pittaya School and Kosit Samosorn School.
UN Exhibitions will be displayed in relation to the theme "Rice is Life" with the kind cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
as well as in connection with the recent visit of UN Secretary-General. A
UNESCAP exhibition from Shanghai 60th Commission (2004) will also be on
display as well as posters from the UN specialized agencies.
The International Year of Rice aims to promote improved production and access to this vital food crop, which feeds more than half the world's population while providing income for millions of rice producers, processors and traders.
The detailed programme is as follows:
08.20 hours Flag-raising ceremony (song dedicated to
the United Nations)
08.50 hours Arrival of His Excellency Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop,
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand at the United
Nations Conference Centre
09.00 ? 09.55 United Nations Day addresses by :
Mr. Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General of the
United Nations (video address)
Mr. J.K. Robert England, United Nations
Resident Coordinator
Mr. Manaspas Xuto, President of the United
Nations Association of Thailand (UNAT)
His Excellency, Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, Deputy
Prime Minister of Thailand
Prize-giving ceremony for winners of UN Essay
Writing Contest, by UNAT
Closing song by Bhadungsit Pittaya School Choir
10.00 hours His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister of
Thailand visits the exhibition
10.05 hours "Rice Dance" performed by students from Kosit
Samosorn School and performance by UNICEF children
10.15 onwards Refreshments with an emphasis on rice desserts
Note to editors: You and/or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the event.
Special interviews can be arranged with heads of UN agencies, on request. End.