From Peaceful Revolution to German Unity

Ambassador Schweppe
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations for this extraordinary artistic celebration of a truly extraordinary event – the fall of the Berlin Wall exactly 20 years ago. It is highly symbolic that we come together here in the Passarelle, because this evening we also mark a transition – a passing from an old world order of confrontation to a new age of cooperation.

Tonight, the German people celebrate the anniversary of the second birth of their country. When the Berlin Wall was destroyed two decades ago, East and West Germans could walk across a border that few could have imagined it would ever be possible to pass. The end of the Cold War united not only the two Germanies; it united Europe. And more than that, as we can see from the testimonies on display, the events of 9 November 1989 touched people in all corners of the globe.

I am pleased to mention that today, leaders of France, United Kingdom and the Russian Federation will participate in marking that landmark event. Celebrations will start at the former Checkpoint Charlie where the barrier was first lifted and the fake remains of the wall will be removed in a symbolic manner.

The fall of the Berlin Wall was the result of people’s resolve to overcome division and distrust through non-violent means. As the Secretary-General said in his statement, “Twenty years ago today, the fall of the Berlin Wall changed the course of history and came to symbolize the triumph of ordinary people in their quest for freedom”. And this exhibition is a fitting tribute to the commitment to peaceful change, reflecting the views and vision of our global citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Looking at images from 20 years ago, I think many of us remember the sense of witnessing history in the making, of seeing what many thought could never happen taking place. But, this exhibition also includes the reflections and impressions of this historic moment interpreted by children. They do not have any personal recollection of the events, yet their world has been profoundly shaped by them. These future generations will judge us on how we managed to take advantage of the potential for collective action that was created with the end of the Cold War. It is our shared responsibility to seize the historic possibilities that were opened up – to create a better world for the children of today and tomorrow.

The fall of the Wall transformed Europe and the world, and it opened up for a new focus on multilateralism. It liberated the United Nations to work more effectively towards realizing the pledges and principles of the Charter. As we face ever-more complex challenges that can only be confronted through collective measures, the spirit of 1989 can inspire us to take the necessary bold action, with a long-term focus. Let us continue to be motivated by the vision of a world at peace that led to the fall of the Wall, and let us work towards overcoming divisions among people – wherever and whenever they occur.

Thank you very much.