Photos of United Nations Day Celebrations, Swaziland

United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.

These photos were taken at the celebration of UN Day in 1972 at the Parliament buildings in Lobamba. His Majesty King Sobhuza II, the Prime Minister, Prince Makhosini, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Zonkhe Khumalo, cabinet ministers, ambassadors and other representatives of governments and specialist agencies attended the occasion on the podium, with a large crowd assembled in front of it. After the King had arrived and was greeted by Mr. Hugh Greenidge, who was then the Resident Representative of the United Nations in Swaziland, the National anthem was played by the band of the Royal Swaziland Police. After speeches by the Prime Minister, Mr. Greenidge and the King there were performances of school choirs; the King visibly enjoyed these performances, especially by those of Swazi National School, the school where he was educated.

This was followed by handing certificates to the winners of the Essay Competition by Mr. Hugh Greenidge and Dr. Pym Dlamini, Minister of Health and Education. After the National anthem was played again, the King left and there was a feast of traditional Swazi foods for the many people who had come at the celebrations. That evening there was a formal dinner at the Swazi Spa Hotel, attended by members of government, diplomats and United Nations personnel.