In his speech, the Foreign Minister noted that the 60th anniversary of the United Nations is an excellent opportunity to honor the first Secretary-General of the UN, Trygve Lie (1896-1968). "This exhibition takes us back to the formative years of the United Nations. As the first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie was a key figure in those early years," he said.
Both the history of UN peacekeeping missions as well as UN endeavors to fight poverty in developing countries began during Lie's years as Secretary-General (1946-53). He was also deeply involved in the location and construction of UN headquarters, where the exhibit is now open to the publicuntil October 24.
"Sixty years ago, Trygve Lie took the lead in the first crucial years. We are deeply grateful to Trygve Lie and his team for their efforts. His legacy is an obligation to us all, and to Norway in particular, to maintain our firm support for the World Organization," Petersen said.
Many of the photos come from Trygve Lie’s personal archive, given to the Library of the University of Oslo.
Others are from the UN and various news agencies. The exhibit will be on display
When: Until October 24, 2005
Where: The United Nations Headquarters, First Avenue at 46th Street, New York
Info: (212) 421-7333, Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN