Director-General's message for the Donation ceremony of the artwork "Mashq 1970" by Khodeir El-Borsaidy

 Donation ceremony of the artwork “Mashq 1970” by Khodeir El-Borsaidy

Friday, 21 February 2025 at 12.00 p.m. 
3rd Floor, Building E, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Mr. Francesco Pisano, Director, United Nations Library & Archives Geneva

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations.

I am honored to read this message on her behalf.

“Ambassador Binkhothaila,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we celebrate a significant addition to our art collection: Mashq 1970.

Let me start by sincerely thanking the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for donating to the United Nations Office at Geneva this remarkable artwork by the distinguished artist Khodeir El-Borsaidy. It highlights the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, a profound expression of Arabo-Islamic civilization and cultural heritage.

The unveiling of Mashq 1970 is particularly fitting as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day. This Silver Jubilee is an opportunity to remind us of the importance of linguistic diversity and the preservation of mother tongues in safeguarding cultural heritage, strengthening education, and fostering peaceful societies.

This artwork is also a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Arabic becoming an official language of the United Nations, in 1973. Arabic is today one of the most widely spoken languages in our world. It is a language of history, of art and of diplomacy.

At UNOG, our commitment to multilingualism remains central to our work. With staff from over 100 countries, speaking nearly 70 languages, we recognize that language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to understanding and appreciating different cultures.

The Palais des Nations, home to more than 1,200 artworks, serves as a bridge between past and present, bringing together diverse artistic and cultural expressions. This generous donation from Saudi Arabia further strengthens the presence of Arabic artistic and linguistic heritage within these halls, reminding us of the power of culture to connect people and inspire dialogue.

May Mashq 1970 stand as a lasting testament to the elegance of Arabic script, the richness of its heritage, and the enduring value of cultural exchange”.

This is the end of the Director-General’s message.

Thank you!