Exhibition "Exoplanets 2015"

Ambassador Rosocha
Mr. Jančár
Excellencies
Dear Colleagues and Friends:

A warm welcome to you all for this remarkable exhibition by well-known Slovak artist Ján Zoričák.

First of all, thank you to the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic for organizing this event, and a special thanks to Mr. Jančár who is Director of the Bratislava City Gallery for bringing these works to the Palais des Nations. The Slovak Republic is a very active contributor to our Cultural Activities Programme, and always with innovative and thought-provoking displays. This exhibition certainly continues that tradition, and it is greatly appreciated.
Coming from a part of Europe that is historically famed for its glass and crystal craftsmanship, these sculptures draw on traditional methods to break new ground in the discipline, showing us the value of building on experience when we want to innovate.

As representations of the universe, Mr. Zoričák’s work demonstrate how we all belong to the same human family – with shared aspirations for a better world - for us and for generations to come. As a transparent medium, glass can generate endless optical variations. Similarly, in our work we must remain transparent, open and inclusive to build this better world. More inclusive reflection and decision-making open up for opportunities and solutions that we may not yet be aware of, but which are needed to respond to our ever-changing challenges. Yet, glass can be a fragile medium. And the works here remind us that we need to handle with care the world that we are building together so that it will last.

As highlighted by the artist, these works are partly inspired by Swiss astrophysicist Michel Mayor and Geneva-based astronomer Didier Queloz. This combination of Swiss science and Slovak art is an excellent demonstration of the potential for innovation here in International Geneva where we work across and beyond traditional silos. When diplomats, researchers, activists and also artists from all areas and all parts of the planet come together – combining their knowledge, talent and experience with their vision for progress – we create solutions together that are much more than the sum of the parts. It is this ongoing pooling of our respective strengths that is needed to achieve our common goals – for us and for generations to come. This is a critical process – and a process which we need to preserve and also handle with care to make sure that it can continue to deliver for all of us.

I hope you enjoy the exhibition in that spirit and wish you an excellent evening.