On January 27 every year, the United Nations and its member states observe the International Holocaust Memorial Day to commemorate the innocent victims of the Holocaust, the six million Jews and other victims who perished in the Nazi camps during World War II. January 27 also marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp in Europe.

This year, the theme of the memorial ceremony is “Holocaust Remembrance and Education: Our Shared Responsibility”. The theme emphasizes the universal dimension of the Holocaust and underscores that education about this tragedy should encourage humankind to firmly reject all forms of racism, prejudice and violence.

The ceremony included the following:

 9.00 – 10.00

Beyond Duty: An Exhibition on the Diplomats Recognized as Righteous Among the Nations

10.00 – 11.00

- Keynote address by H.E. Dr. Meir Shlomo, the Ambassador of Israel to Thailand

- UN Secretary-General (Mr. António Guterres)'s message, introduced by Mr. Hongjoo Hahm, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UNESCAP

- Speech by H.E. Mr. Peter Prügel, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

- Minister of Education (H.E. Mr. Teerakiat Jareonsettasin M.D.)’s message, delivered by H.E. Dr. Sophon Napathorn, Vice Minister for Education

- Speech by Associate Professor Khunying Wongchan Phinainitisatra, President of Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music 

- Closing speech by Mr. Chihiro Sugihara, grandson of Mr. Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jews in Lithuania during WWII

Beyond Duty: An Exhibition on the Diplomats Recognized as Righteous Among the Nations

While the countries of the free world were reluctant to help Jewish refugees, and while most diplomats continued to employ standard procedures, only very few felt that extraordinary times required extraordinary action and were willing to act against their governments’ policy. When faced with the plight of the Jews, they decided that although they were of a different nationality and religion, they were unable to continue with their professional routine, and hence chose to defy their superiors and, if necessary, suffer the consequences.

The core of the exhibition is comprised of the stories of 9 diplomats who were recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations". The stories represent diversity:  different countries of origin, various countries were they operated different types of rescue actions taken in various stages of the Holocaust.