The photo exhibition “UN–80: Unfiltered,” marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, opened at the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event, organized by the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, marked a key milestone in a series of commemorative events dedicated to the anniversary of the World Organization.
The photo exhibition “UN–80: Unfiltered” was more than just a visual project; it offered an honest glimpse into the life of the Organization beyond official protocols and press releases. The exhibition invited visitors to step away from formality and see the UN as it truly is - complex, humane, vulnerable, and yet powerful.
Representatives from state authorities, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and students from capital universities attended the opening.
Bakhytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated:
"Over the years, the UN has become more than just a platform for negotiations, but a true symbol of service to peace, dialogue, and cooperation for a better future for humanity. Today’s exhibition offers a chance to see the Organization from within: unique perspectives and unexpected compositions transform routine meetings and missions into emotional stories, reflecting the tension, responsibility, and sincere emotions of people devoted to the cause of peace and creation. Since Kazakhstan joined the UN on March 2, 1992, it has actively implemented the principles of multilateral cooperation and the strengthening of peace and security, promoting the role of middle powers and developing countries in the UN Security Council."
The exhibition featured 80 rare images capturing the daily workdays and turning points in the history of the UN. These are not staged images but authentic fragments — faces, emotions, fatigue, and energy of the people behind global decisions.
Visitors to the exhibition could view:
• Unique perspectives and compositions revealing the Organization’s inner life;
• Behind-the-scenes moments in diplomacy and international politics, from the tension before key decisions to the relief after successful operations;
• Sincere faces of people devoted to the cause of peace, humanity, and creation.
UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Sarangoo Radnaaragchaa, emphasized:
"UN 80: Unfiltered" is more than just an exhibition; it's an invitation to see the Organization as it truly is—in moments of service, duty, and hope. These photographs remind us that the UN isn't just buildings in New York or Geneva, but a vibrant community of people—peacekeepers, doctors, volunteers, and students—whose quiet but meaningful actions bring global goals closer to home. Like photography, diplomacy is the art of attention: the ability to see the essential and find light even in the most challenging circumstances."
"UN 80: Unfiltered" conveyed the Organization’s formation and development through light, shadow, and captured moments, inviting viewers to observe and empathize.
The event atmosphere reflected engagement and respect for the United Nations' mission. Guests highlighted the high artistic quality of the works and the deep humanistic message of the exhibition, prompting reflection on the value of human participation in preserving peace and harmony on our planet.
The exhibition will be open to visitors until December 12, 2025. The exhibition is structured by decades, reflecting the key milestones and achievements of the UN over its 80-year history. A separate section is dedicated to the cooperation between the Organization and Kazakhstan, and a special section, "The UN and Me," demonstrates how the work of the UN Team in Kazakhstan impacts people's lives and contributes to sustainable development.
