LAMPA International Film Festival Retrospective

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

The Director very much regrets that he cannot be here today and sends his best regards. He has asked me to deliver the following remarks on his behalf:

“A very warm welcome to the LAMPA International Film Festival Retrospective at UN Geneva. Let me begin my expressing my appreciation to the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation for kindly bringing this special event to the Palais des Nations.

It is always a pleasure to have artistry on show in the Palais des Nations, reminding us of the natural connection between creativity and the work of the United Nations, and the power of art to communicate important themes across cultures.

Today’s film retrospective celebrates International Volunteer Day, marked every year on 5 December, by showcasing films and social advertising that encourage volunteering and charity.

Volunteers are vital to our societies and their contribution to improving our world is as inspiring as it is humbling. Today is an opportunity for us to celebrate volunteers and their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work.

From a United Nations perspective, you may be aware of the United Nations Volunteer programme, which contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming. I encourage you to learn more about this important aspect of our work. We cannot progress the ideals of the United Nations without volunteers, both within the United Nations and in partnership with us. Volunteers bring to life those famous opening words of the United Nations Charter: “We the Peoples”.

So to those of you in this room who volunteer in some way, no matter how small: thank you. Your contributions are very much appreciated. I hope you enjoy today’s exciting programme of films from around the world, and I am sorry to be missing it.

Enjoy!

Thank you.”

These were the words of the Director-General. Thank you.