From nightfall to midnight yesterday, six landmarks around the island, chosen for their historical and cultural significance, took on the brilliant blue hue of the United Nations.
It was part of the global "Turn the World UN Blue" initiative for UN Day, which falls on Oct 24.
The six landmarks were Changi Airport Terminal 1, the Esplanade, the bandstand at Singapore Botanic Gardens, the facade of the new National Gallery Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum and the Supertrees at Gardens By The Bay.
Around the world, over 60 countries also turned their landmarks blue. Among the 200 or so icons were the Empire State Building in New York, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
Yesterday, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said at an event that multilateral international organisations which can achieve peace through negotiations, in which every country - big and small - has a voice, are crucial.
This is especially so at a time when the world is confronted by many global challenges such as climate change, war and social problems, he added.
"The UN is still our best bet for a world with global peace, justice and fairness in the future," he said.
This year also marks Singapore's 50th year of membership in the UN.
Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh said that Singapore, despite its size, "tries to be a positive and contributing member of the UN".
He highlighted how governance expert Kishore Mahbubani was president of the UN Security Council twice, and Dr Noeleen Heyzer headed the UN Development Fund for Women.
Joanna Seow
