A United Nations flag was raised in Civic Park 16 June when the UN's training arm handed over the global body's ensign to confirm Newcastle as a 'UN City'.

 

Alexander Mejia, Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research's (UNITAR) Decentralised Cooperation Programme, presented Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen with the UN flag.

 

Councillor Nelmes and Professor McMillen attended the Geneva induction of UON as UNITAR's Asia-Pacific Centre for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction late last year.

 

The centre, led by UON Associate Professor Graham Brewer, will draw on the UON School of Architecture and Built Environment's strengths in disaster preparedness and sustainable development to help governments and communities mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and social and industrial upheaval.