“Information is a strategic raw material”

On Oct. 24 the United Nations Organization marked its 60th anniversary. On Thursday, Oct. 20, the UN Office in Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held a public-outreach action at the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the United Nations and Ukraine’s membership in this organization. Since the Vernadsky Library is the only UN depository in this country, it is hosting an exhibition featuring photographs and publications that describe the history, development, and activities of this venerable organization in various countries, including Ukraine. Part of the exhibition is devoted to the Ukrainian diplomats who have represented the interests of our state in the UN. The exhibition consists of more than 500 items, including some rare photographs furnished by the archives of the foreign ministry. Ukraine is now one of 145 countries with United Nations depository libraries. According to Francis O’Donnell, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, there are about 400 institutions of this kind throughout the world. “Promoting democratic transformations in the world, the UN is convinced that such libraries will contribute to the consolidation of the world community,” O’Donnell said. He also told The Day that he was gratified by the caliber of the exhibition and that he would assist in promoting this kind of activity in Ukraine.

Long before the depository library was opened, the UN Office in Ukraine supported The Day’s 7th International Photo Contest in 2005: O’Donnell’s office awarded special prizes to the three best photographs ( The Day’s photo exhibition is still on display at the Vernadsky Library).

The UN Resident Coordinator told The Day that he is very glad that the public is now better informed about UN activities in Ukraine. “It is important for me to spread information about the United Nations Organization, because information is a strategic raw material,” he noted.

The UN exhibition is at the Vernadsky National Library located at Holosiyivsky Prospekt, 3. The Day’s exhibit continues until Nov. 1.