World Autism Awareness Day
The World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2011, was celebrated in Australia at an event organized by Autism Awareness in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Canberra at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, West Circular Quay, in Sydney.
To start proceedings, Mr Paul Blair, Chairman of the Board welcomed the guests and introduced UNIC Canberra Director Mr. Woodthorpe.
Mr. Woodthorpe thanked Mr. Blair and in his initial remarks congratulated Autism Awareness for its recent association with the UN through the Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organization process. He said that this association was based on the strength of Autism Awareness’ commitment to its work and to the UN.
After the formal process ended, guests and participants watched the sunset over Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House light up in blue - an iconic statement in support of the day.
Those gathered for the event remarked upon the heartfelt nature of the Secretary-General’s message and voiced their appreciation of the UN’s attendance on the day.