"Koloman Sokol - The Life of an Artist in Exile"

Ambassador Rosocha
Ambassador King
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the opening of this exhibition, which showcases the remarkable works of Koloman Sokol. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the new publication “Sokol 100 Unpublished Works” by Lee Karpiscak and Ivan Jančar here on display. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Permanent Missions of Slovakia and the United States of America for the organization of this event.

The long life of Koloman Sokol was full of social and political struggles. His story is one of immigration, of a search for freedom of expression. It is a story that was common during the upheavals that marked the 20th century, and at the same time is familiar to many people today. These themes are seen in his artwork, which I am pleased that we are able to host here at the Palais des Nations.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to freedom of expression for us all. It also recognizes the importance of economic, social and cultural rights and that they are “indispensable” to a person’s dignity and personality. These rights and the quest to promote and protect them are timeless.

This universal hunger to express oneself with reference to one’s economic, social, and cultural rights continues today in the digital age. Young people around the world are expressing themselves on these same themes, but in new ways, often through social media and other forms, with at times, significant outcomes. In recognition of these tools as means for communication and advocacy, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last Monday took part in a video “hangout” on Google with young people around the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
As we enjoy the artwork of Koloman Sokol this evening, let us acknowledge his celebrated life and the universal themes it represents. The struggle for political, economic and cultural rights persists for many people around the world and the United Nations continues to do its utmost to ensure their promotion and protection.


Thank you very much.