UNOG Library Talk: book launch of “Gertrude Duby Blom (1901-1993) – Resistance Fighter”

Monday, 12 October 2015 at 13.00 hrs
Library Events Room (B-135), Palais des Nations

Dear friends,
Kyra:

I am pleased to welcome you to this UNOG Library Talk to retrace the inspiring life of Gertrude Duby Blom. This event will not only serve to remember a fascinating person, but also to reflect on the important causes she defended. We are very lucky to have with us today the author of the biography of Ms. Duby Blom, Kyra Nún ̃ez-Johnsson.

The title of the biography we are launching is simple but powerful. It fittingly describes Ms. Duby Blom as a “resistance fighter”. In many ways, I hope that the launch of this book is part of a re-launch of the resistance that Ms. Duby Blom embodied: resistance to the xenophobia inherent in Nazism and fascism; resistance to the lack of empathy for refugees; resistance to the violation of the rights of minorities such as indigenous people; resistance to the male dominance of societal leadership and resistance to the destruction of our natural habitat.

With the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War, we need to change the negative narrative associated with refugees. Ms. Duby Blom’s sincere openness and unbreakable defence of the equal rights of all human beings can change people’s minds and open their hearts.
The year 2015 also sees multilateral decisions on sustainable development and climate change. We need to resist the short-sightedness that all too often leads to the deferral of environmental protection to the future. The book launched today opens our eyes to the rich historical, cultural and existential value of forests and the environment at large by sharing the wisdom of indigenous populations.

And despite important advances in the fight for gender equality, we still have more progress to make. Ms. Duby Blom was recognized as the “First Woman Ecologist of the Americas” by UNEP in 1991. I really hope that her life-story inspires everyone to work towards a world where any ecologist, woman or man, is recognized simply as an ecologist. The qualification “woman” should not have to stand for additional struggle in our society.

It is very fitting, that the biography of Ms. Duby Blom is launched here in Geneva. This unique Swiss but also international city reflects the roots and multi-cultural journey of Ms. Duby Blom’s life. But international Geneva is also a centre for the advancement of the causes that she fought for. The expertise on the environment and human rights of the panellists who will discuss the book here illustrates this very well. I am sure it will make for a fascinating debate.

I wish you, everyone, a good day and thank you for being with us.

Thank you very much.