Opening of the exhibition "Art from Timor-Leste"

Mr. President
Mr. Minister
Ambassador
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations this evening on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition entitled “Art from Timor-Leste”. This evening’s event holds a special significance for two reasons:

The first is because we have the honour and privilege of having amongst us this evening H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, President of Timor-Leste and Mr. José Ramos-Horta, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.
The second is because it is the first time that the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste has participated in our cultural programme and we are very happy for this opportunity to sample elements of the culture of Timor-Leste.

Allow me to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador José António Amorim Dias and the Permanent Mission of Timor Leste for their contribution to the cultural activities programme at the United Nations Office at Geneva and we hope that this will be the first of many more future collaborations.

Ladies and Gentlemen :
As you know, this evening’s exhibition contains a selection of paintings by the students of the “Arte Moris” art school. I was moved in reading an article, which described the school as a place where an artistic and individual existence could be born out of the ruins of war and that it was now a vibrant community that lives, laughs, cries and creates together. Indeed, these young artists reflect their young nation since over the years they have reconstructed themselves and, through their dedication and courage, they have laid down the building blocks of their country’s future in place. This is undeniably strengthened by all forms of art since they are a tool, not only for passing on our cultural heritage and history to future generations, but also for dealing with the traumas of the past and reconstructing our identity. As the Secretary-General said at the ceremony marking the independence of East Timor in 2002, “You should be very proud of your feat: that a small nation is able to inspire the world”. As the newest member of the United Nations, Timor-Leste has set an example to the world, which has been defined by the democratic principles that shaped its people’s struggle and which are embodied in the United Nations Charter. Indeed their efforts have continued since independence with a strong commitment to further progress towards establishing effective democratic governance in Timor-Leste and a strong adherence to the principles of the United Nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen :
“Arte Moris” was founded in the aftermath of the independence of Timor-Leste with the primary aim of using art as a building block in the psychological and social reconstruction of a country devastated by violence with special emphasis on helping its young citizens. Allow me to take this opportunity to commend the work of the school and the initiative of its founders. The artist Edgar Degas is known to have said that art is not what you see but what you make others see. Indeed, the people of Timor-Leste remind us of the faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity of the human being and the equal rights of nations big and small. I hope that this may serve as an inspiration when you visit this evening’s remarkable exhibition. I wish you an enjoyable evening.

Thank you very much.