STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNOG AT OPENING OF EXHIBITION ENTITLED "LIGHTS AND COLOURS OF TURKEY"

Following is the statement by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, which he delivered at the opening of a photo exhibition by Izzet Keribar entitled "Lights and Colours of Turkey" at the Palais des Nations on Wednesday, 19 April:

"It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations this evening on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition by Izzet Keribar entitled "Lights and Colours of Turkey". Allow me first to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Kurttekin and the Permanent Mission of Turkey for their contribution and commitment to the UNOG Cultural Activities Programme. We also appreciate having the artist with us this evening. Izzet Keribar's photographs are not only a welcome presentation of Turkey's stunning natural, architectural and historical sites but also an illustration of the rich cultural heritage of its peoples, defined by a strong belief in multiculturalism, understanding and tolerance.

This evening's photographs portray Turkey's contrasting elements, which is also where its strength and richness lie – a country that has its roots in both Asian and European cultures; a country rich in both Islamic and Western traditions; a peoples with different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. It is precisely these divergent but complementary elements that contribute to the richness and diversity of Turkish cultural heritage. Turkey is also a promoter of intercultural dialogue and respect for our diversity globally. As you are aware, Turkey, along with Spain, is co-sponsor of the Alliance of Civilizations, which is intended to respond to the effort by the international community to overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions and polarization which in many ways can threaten world peace. Indeed, as some of this evening's photographs show, Turkey – with principles strongly embedded in secularism and respect for religious and multicultural diversity serves as inspiration in our efforts to counter policies and actions, which isolate cultures and societies from one another. While this requires a meeting of the minds, a common vision and shared objectives, it cannot be achieved without learning to respect and appreciate each other regardless of where one is from.

Photography is all about perception. It is capturing or recording a moment in time and at a specific place, which depending on outside elements that are sometimes beyond one's control, or the tools that you choose to use, can portray to the viewer a multitude of images that are all different but nonetheless each representative of that same moment. Much also depends on how we perceive the final print, which is equally influenced by outside factors, such as lighting or where it is displayed, as it is by our cultural beliefs and diverging backgrounds. Indeed, this is also applicable in the work of the United Nations. As in photography, how we see others is also influenced by our perception of things. Work at the United Nations requires us to be attentive to the nuances and differing tones that may define international dialogue and to seek to understand one another. The United Nations may not be quite as colourful in its work as the images displayed here this evening. However, as an Organization that serves people who are often unable to speak for themselves, we too have an obligation to capture and hold the attention of the world.

The Turkish people are renowned for their remarkable hospitality and generosity. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure in turn to extend to you our hospitality at UNOG and invite you to enjoy this exhibition of photographs portraying a country that is rich in history, natural beauty and cultural heritage".

For use of the information media; not an official record

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