Swiss landmarks turn blue to mark UN 75th birthday

The Palais des Nations and the Jet d'eau in Geneva are among more than 180 European buildings and monuments being illuminated blue on Saturday evening to mark the UN’s 75th anniversary. Also taking part is the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when the UN Charter, agreed four months earlier, came into force. Starting out with 51 original members, there are now 193. Switzerland joined in 2002. “The UN Geneva, International Geneva and Switzerland have carved out a reputation for themselves as places where exchanges and discussions can take place in the greatest confidence and neutrality,” Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva, said in a statement ahead of the lighting of the UN's Geneva HQ. "We will continue, thanks to the diversity of actors there, to stimulate international cooperation and strengthen multilateralism, which is currently in an important phase of transition." Swiss candidacy for the Security...