From red to blue for peace: Iconic rock Uluru is illuminated with blue lights as Australia joins a global effort to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations

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Central Australia's iconic red rock Uluru has been lit up to mark the United Nations' 70th anniversary.

More than 25 other Australian landmarks were also turned blue, including the Sydney Opera House, the MCG, Perth's Bell Tower and Canberra's Old Parliament House.

UN Day is being celebrated this weekend by sites around the world, including the Empire State Building and the UN headquarters in New York, Tokyo's SkyTree Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Athens' Temple of Zeus and Edinburgh Castle.

The United Nations' crest is projected onto Australia's iconic red rock, Uluru, also known as Ayres Rock, for the organisation's 70th anniversary

The international Turn the World #UNBlue campaign aims to unite global citizens by promoting the UN's message of peace and human rights

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the world-first projection onto Uluru had the approval of traditional owners and signified 'Australia's commitment to shaping an effective UN that protects the world's most vulnerable people and brings together nations to address global challenges'.

Ms Bishop said almost 65,000 Australians have served in international peace operations and have played leadership roles in brokering global treaties to make the world safer, as well as promoting gender equality, human rights and the rule of law.

She said that in recognition of the country's continuing commitment to the UN, she was announcing Australia's candidacy for the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30 and its Human Rights Council in 2018-20.

The international Turn the World #UNBlue campaign aims to unite global citizens by promoting the UN's message of peace, development and human rights, and people are encouraged to share photos of the illuminated landmarks on social media using #UN70 and #UNBlue. 

It was joined by more than 25 other Australian landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, which were illuminated blue

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the world-first projection onto Uluru had the approval of traditional owners

Almost 65,000 Australians have served in international peace operations and have played leadership roles in brokering global treaties to make the world safer