Director-General's message for the Exhibitions "PARTICIPATE!" and "MAMA - Mother Nature"

Exhibitions “PARTICIPATE!” and “MAMA – Mother Nature”

Thursday, 14 November 2024 

Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

It’s a real pity I cannot be with you today in Baku. 

Greetings from Geneva!

It is a great pleasure to address the opening of two very important exhibitions “PARTICIPATE!” and “MAMA – Mother Nature” on the margins of COP29 in Baku.

I would like to thank the IDEA Public Association, under the leadership of Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Swiss Association of Women and Empowerment who brought to life these two projects to demonstrate the power of art in our global efforts to address climate change and achieve a greener world.

Partnerships like that demonstrate the United Nations’ enduring belief in the power of collaboration. By joining hands across communities and sectors, we strengthen our collective resolve to inspire change and address shared challenges. This collaboration is an example of what can be achieved when we unite for a common purpose.

These exhibitions are particularly close to my heart as they embody the intersection of art, technology, and environmental responsibility. Through thought-provoking works, they remind us of the consequences of inaction, while inviting each viewer to consider their role as stewards of our planet. These exhibitions are a call to action, urging us all to reflect on the impact of our choices and the legacy we wish to leave to future generations.

Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our planet’s future. Recent findings, including UNEP’s Emissions Gap report, reveal that we are at a tipping point. Record-high greenhouse gas emissions, escalating natural disasters, and rising sea levels tell us that we are “playing with fire”. Bridging the gaps in ambition, implementation, and financing is essential if we are to avoid a path toward severe and irreversible climate impacts. This is especially crucial for the most vulnerable communities, who bear the burden of climate inaction.

The two exhibitions resonate with commitments of Member States outlined in the Pact for the Future – commitments that are at the forefront of discussions at COP 29. These initiatives affirm our shared responsibility to act decisively on climate change, protect biodiversity, and empower young leaders to shape a sustainable future. By engaging children and young people, we can harness their passion and fresh perspectives, inspiring a new generation of environmental champions and showing the power of collective action to bring about real and lasting change.

As you explore these exhibitions, I hope they awaken a deep appreciation for our natural world and inspire a commitment to protect it. Let us all be caretakers of our home – our planet Earth. 

Thank you.