Happy 50th birthday, United Nations

In celebration of years of promoting world peace, several organizations on campus are participating Sunday in the United Nations' 50th anniversary event in Long Beach.

"World's Apart Come Together Through the Arts" is the theme for the event that runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the downtown Long Beach Amphitheater and Promenade and on First Street between Pine Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard.

"The anniversary is being celebrated all over the world even in small countries," said Mary Ann Coleman, a Cal State Long Beach student, who is also the event liaison and a member of CSULB's United Nations Association, Model United Nations and International Student Association.

The Model United Nations, the International Student Association and the Cambodian Student Society from CSULB will be sponsoring booths at the event.

The celebration features ethnic foods, folk arts and crafts, mask making, face painting, pumpkin painting, story telling and dancing.

The international 500-piece ribbon will be displayed at the event. Participants are encouraged to make new ribbons to add to the 500-piece ribbon.

"Long Beach is a multicultural arena itself. We're trying to keep people aware of what's going on in the world," said Kristine Kelly, of the United Nations Association of Long Beach. "We're doing outreach in the community to create a forum for people to talk about international issues."

The United Nations encourages international trade relations and peace treaties, and monitors the International Monetary Funds in New York. The organization covers issues on national and environmental law, human rights and refugee problems, said Yehia Dajani, president of MUN at CSULB.

Admission for is free. For more information, students may call (310) 434-4645.