UNOG Library talk: “The Role of the Arts and Cultural Institutions in the Contemporary World”

Chère Adelina,
Ambassador Dunlop,
Mr. Beer,
Mr. de Miranda,
Mr. Szymczyk,
Monsieur Toguo,
Mesdames et Messieurs:

I am very pleased to be here with you today to celebrate the work of ART for the World and particularly the fantastic publication “Participation”. The publication shows that participation is more than a book-title for ART for the World. Bringing individuals from various backgrounds together at the intersection of art and global affairs is rightly the mission of ART for the World – a mission embodied by Adelina von Fürstenberg who is the life and soul behind the extraordinary achievements of ART for the World over the past 20 years. Today’s event is proof that fulfilling this mission is a truly collaborative undertaking and I thank all the distinguished panellists – particularly those who have travelled long distances to be with us. This spirit of inter-cultural exchange and collaboration is much needed in today’s world!

In all sections of society, from the local to the global, innovation is urgently needed to keep up with the fast-paced transformations we are witnessing. Art has a unique ability to transport ideas across space and through time. It helps to open our minds by stimulating the imagination and by capturing concepts that are difficult to express otherwise. By doing so, it can serve as a force to help solve intricate problems, and encourage new solutions.

In too many places, people are trying to cope with the new and unusual by retreating into isolationist and narrow perspectives. Art has always put the exchange of ideas at the centre and makes people curious to discover differences and commonalities. It can help to counter isolationist trends in international affairs. And here in Geneva, we have seen many examples of the power of art and cultural diplomacy. Through the cultural activities programme, the United Nations Office at Geneva has been transformed into an exhibition centre and a space for cultural encounters time and again. Through the various art donations, the Palais des Nations itself has become an important part of our global heritage. In this house, as it does across the world, art serves as a bridge between cultures, between different points of view and helps us understand each other better in a setting where optimal understanding of the other is crucial for the success of our many activities.

Art can also serve to better inform a public that does not usually follow international affairs. With its exhibitions in different countries, ART for the World fulfilled exactly these functions, based on Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that "everyone has the right to take part freely in the cultural life of the community, [and] to enjoy the arts." Finding innovative ways to communicate the impact of the important work done in International Geneva and by the United Nations worldwide is a priority for me. The publication “Participation” illustrates the stimulating projects of the past 20 years through which ART for the World bridged the domains of arts and international affairs.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped make the different projects and the publication possible. I am very grateful to work with the extremely talented team and collaborators at ART for the World. However, our work is not yet done. The world needs more innovation, creativity, and participation, particularly in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ambitious 17 Goals of the agenda may seem abstract. When art and global governance meet, we can turn the abstract into reality. I look forward to continue working on this shared endeavour.

Thank you very much.