United Nations 80th Anniversary Photo Exhibition Opens in Ankara: “Building Our Future Together”

The United Nations 80th Anniversary Photo Exhibition, titled “Building Our Future Together,” opened today at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s Kızılay Metro Art Gallery.

Organized by the United Nations in Türkiye, the exhibition runs from 17 to 24 October, marking eight decades of the UN’s work for peace, human rights, equality, sustainable development, and leaving no one behind.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was jointly performed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Levent Gümrükçü, Ankara Deputy Metropolitan Mayor Faruk Köylüoğlu, and UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ahonsi emphasized the historic milestone and Türkiye’s enduring partnership with the United Nations:

“Eighty years ago, the UN Charter came into force, and with it, a shared commitment by all nations to build peace, uphold human rights, and promote development for all. Today, as we stand here in Ankara, we celebrate not only 80 years of global cooperation but also the partnership between the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.”

“Even after 80 years, the UN remains humanity’s most inclusive platform for dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action.
In a world facing so many challenges – including the climate crisis – the multilateral platform that the UN provides is needed more than ever before,” he said.

“We are grateful to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality for generously providing this space, and I sincerely thank Deputy Minister Gümrükçü, Deputy Mayor Köylüoğlu, and everyone here with us today. As we cut this ribbon together, may it symbolize our continued commitment – here in Türkiye and across the world – to build a shared future in unity and peace.”

Deputy Minister Gümrükçü noted that the location itself perfectly captures the UN’s mission:

“Frankly speaking, I cannot think of a better place than this metro station for an exhibition dedicated to the United Nations. Every day, thousands of people pass through here on their way to work or home – the very same people whose lives are touched by the UN’s work, from promoting human rights to advancing sustainable development and maintaining peace. A photograph, they say, speaks a thousand words – and these images remind us of what Türkiye and the UN have achieved together. For us, the UN is the embodiment of effective multilateralism, and we will continue to do our utmost to help it deliver on its mission.”

Deputy Mayor Köylüoğlu added:

“Ankara is not only the political capital of Türkiye, it is also a capital of art. We congratulate the United Nations on its 80th anniversary and wish for a peaceful future for all humanity.” In the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, ‘Peace at home, peace in the world.’

This exhibition organized by the United Nations in Türkiye commemorates eighty years of the United Nations’ work for peace, development, and human dignity, spanning borders, bridging continents, and inspiring generations. The exhibition begins with historic and iconic moments from the founding of the Organization and its early sessions to the Republic of Türkiye’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping and sustainable development, as well as the ongoing work of the UN agencies across the country.

The exhibition also features a localized version of the global Shared Lives, Shared Future project, which highlights how the UN touches lives in every region of the world and reminds us that our challenges are shared and our future intertwined.

As the United Nations turns 80, facing unprecedented global challenges — from conflicts and the climate crisis to technological change — it reaffirms its founding promise to serve “we the peoples” and build a better, more sustainable future for all.

The opening ceremony brought together government officials, representatives of diplomatic community, representatives of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality members of Capital Youth Assembly, members of the United Nations Country Team, and UN staff.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at Kızılay Metro Art Gallery until 24 October 2025.