As part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the UN, the UN held an opening ceremony for the exhibition We the Peoples: Norman Rockwell's United Nations at its headquarters in New York on Monday.

The exhibition includes more than 30 of the most well-known 20th century artist's artworks, including two important works that take the UN as their theme: United Nations, a huge charcoal drawing the artist drew in 1953 depicting members of the security council and the 65 representatives of the nations of the world, and Golden Rule, a 1961 painting celebrating the peoples of the world.

The exhibition, which is set to end on September 15, marks the first time these works have been displayed in the UN.

During his speech at the exhibition's opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "I think it is exceptional that this artist - so anchored in American society - was quite literally drawn to send the message: We belong to the world. The United Nations Charter is our birth certificate. Norman Rockwell's United Nations brings it to life."

Notes, as well as sketches and color studies for both artworks, will also be on display at the exhibition.