Unveiling of the “Rebirth” on Open Day 2015

Maestro Pistoletto
Ambassador Serra
Ambassador Fasel
Dear Friends:

A very warm welcome to the Palais des Nations for the celebration of our 70th anniversary and for our traditional Open Day. Birthdays should always be shared with family and friends. And this is exactly what we are doing with you today. It is really great to see so many children and parents, ambassadors, colleagues from across all of International Geneva, from other parts of Switzerland, and from all over the world. Thank you very much to all of you for accepting our invitation to mark this day with us, and for being part of the large family that is the United Nations. I am particularly pleased to welcome Secretary-General Kofi Annan who was the Head of our family for so many years.

Today is our opportunity to showcase how the United Nations and our partners make a difference for every single individual on this planet, every single day. And it is our opportunity to share with you the Palais des Nations, which is the common heritage of Switzerland and of the entire world. All of you make this special day for the United Nations truly unique.

A highlight in today’s many activities is, of course, the unveiling here of the “Rebirth” - a monumental sculpture on all levels, donated to the United Nations by Maestro Michelangelo Pistoletto and his foundation, through the Republic of Italy. It is an honour to accept this artwork on behalf of the United Nations. I thank the Maestro and Italy for bringing us this remarkable creation, all the Member States who have contributed and all the colleagues who have worked so hard on its installation. It has been a privilege to follow this process, from when the Maestro presented his idea, seeing it take shape and now being part of its unveiling today and seeing it become an integral part of our daily environment. And I extend a special welcome to our guests from Italy. I met many of you in Carrara earlier this year, and I am grateful that I can return your incredible hospitality today.

Chers amis:
Pendant ces dernières septante années, nous avons tous progressé de façon importante. Nous vivons plus longtemps, nous sommes en meilleure santé, et nous sommes plus et mieux éduqués. Mais il reste des défis importants. En 2015, nous sommes en train de développer un nouveau cadre pour adresser ces défis complexes - des risques de catastrophe, le développement durable et la protection de notre climat. Un agenda très compréhensif qui nous permettra de créer et d’œuvrer pour un meilleur avenir.

La « Renaissance » symbolise cette nouvelle approche. En utilisant des pierres magnifiques de couleurs différentes qui représentent nos 193 États membres, la sculpture ici nous rappelle la nécessité de mobiliser la diversité en partenariat avec la société civile, le secteur privé et le secteur académique.

La Genève internationale, grâce aux opportunités qu’elle offre de pouvoir conclure de tels partenariats, est le lieu logique pour la sculpture « Renaissance ». C’est à Genève qu’était le siège de la Société des Nations qui a précédé la création des Nations Unies. C’est donc ici qu’a germé l’idée des Nations Unies. Et cette pièce d’art va nous aider à nous souvenir de cette idée chaque jour.

The “Rebirth” encapsulates recognition of the enduring values and many achievements of the United Nations while encouraging fresh approaches. Here a third circle has been added to the traditional infinity symbol. A new space for innovation where we can all come together - regardless of background and tradition - to create a different tomorrow. A new space where harmony supersedes hatred. Where collaboration and compromise replace conflict. Where dialogue takes the place of distrust. The “Rebirth” literally and artistically sets the principles of the United Nations in stone - but leaves the solutions open to all of us. Because we are all part of building a better world - through understanding and in unity. A true renewal for all of us.

Je vous remercie. Thank you very much. Grazie Mille.