Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of Iceland’s acceptance to the United Nations. The Icelandic government marked the event with increased financial support to the UN.

Foreign Minister Valgerdur Sverrisdóttir signed a contract with the Icelandic branch of UN in Reykjavík yesterday, granting increased funds for more emphasis on education and issues involving the Nordic countries, RÚV reports.

In 1946 the Icelandic government decided to join the UN and support its peacekeeping operations. One year later Thor Thors became Iceland’s first UN ambassador.

Since then Iceland has participated in many UN projects, and two UN institutions are located in Iceland: The United Nations University Geothermal Training Program and The United Nations University Fisheries Training Program.

The Icelandic government is currently lobbying for a seat in UN’s Security Council in 2008.