The University of Nottingham’s Trent Building turned blue over the weekend to celebrate the UN’s 70th anniversary.

The move was part of the global ‘Turn the world #UNBlue’ campaign which saw more than 200 iconic monuments, buildings, statues, bridges and other landmarks in more than 60 countries lit up in blue to promote the UN’s message of peace, development and human rights.

On Saturday 24 October, world famous landmarks from Australia’s Sydney Opera House and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and the Empire State Building in New York, all took part.

Dr Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University, said: “The United Nations has been a beacon of hope in the world for 70 years and has been dedicated to addressing the biggest challenges faced by humanity. It seems appropriate that the University look to support, mark and recognise the achievements of the UN and honour the dedication of all those who have contributed to the UN’s work over this time.

“Education is key to international co-operation and understanding and, as a global university, we recognise this and the UN’s work in this area and are therefore pleased to be joining all of those marking this important anniversary.”

The University’s involvement in the campaign was initiated by students from the University’s United Nations Society. Eleanor Bennett, Public Relations and Outreach Officer for the society, was eager to mark the occasion and raise awareness of the UN’s mission.

The second year History and Contemporary Chinese Studies student said: “In light of the worst refugee crisis since World War Two, never has there been a more important time to support and value the work of the United Nations. The current crisis brings to mind the time in which the UN was formed. The UN was created in 1945, when people were devastated by the war, but not without hope of a new and better world – and it was on this hope that the UN was built.

“70 years on the UN now protects 1,000 world heritage sites, feeds 104 million people annually, is responsible for the eradication of smallpox and has decreased deaths due to AIDS from 2.3 million in 2005 to 1.6 million in 2012 – these are just some of their many achievements. This is not to say that the United Nations is perfect – as well as successes there have been failures – but there are a great many reasons to celebrate and support the UN on 24th of October 2015.”