On October 24, at the Bilkent Concert Hall, the 56th anniversary of the U.N. was celebrated with two performances by the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra directed by Karl Anton Rickenbacher and addresses from honored guests.
   The guest speakers included Mr. Alfredo Witschi-Cestari, United Nations Resident Coordinator; Prof. Talat Halman, Director of the Center for Turkish Literature; Ambassador Daryal Batıbay, Director General for Multilateral Political Affairs and Prof. İhsan Doğramacı, President of the Board of Trustees of Bilkent University.
   The speeches focused on the following topics: The Role of the U.N. Worldwide, The September 11 Tragedy, Peace in the World, The Fight Against Terrorism, A World Without War, Children throughout the World, Peace and Prosperity and Human Dignity.
   Here are a few quotes from the speakers;
   “This is a special day for every member of the United Nations family and indeed, for everyone who believes in the ideals of our organization. This year's UN Day is even more special, since our work “for a better organized and more peaceful world” has been rewarded by the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. We should all be proud and take time to rejoice and celebrate the honor bestowed on us.
   In this context, I would like to pay tribute to Professor İhsan Doğramacı, who has made invaluable contributions to our work, notably to the noble causes of child health and higher education, and has worked with UNICEF since the early days of those organizations. In him the UN has always found a true friend."

Delivered by Mr. Alfredo Witschi-Cestari, for the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan

   “Without the United Nations, we might still be living in the Mid-20th Century. Without the United Nations, we might have devastated many a nation or crippled modern civilization, and without which, the world might have suffered total nuclear annihilation.”

Prof. Talat Halman

   “As last month’s tragedy in the United States has demonstrated, the role of the United Nations in protecting peace and security remains more important than ever.”

Ambassador Daryal Batıbay

   “The United Nations is the mirror of our new world, in which life becomes more and more internationally interdependent.”

Prof. İhsan Doğramacı

   The celebration ended with a piece from M.P. Moussorgsky performed by the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Anton Karl Rickenbacher.