Remarks
By
The High Representative for UNAOC
At
Sustainable Development & Love of Civilizations Art Exhibition
Beijing – May 16, 2016
Your Excellency Mr. li Baodong
Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of China
Your Excellency Mr. Wang Zhengwei,
Vice Chairman of the China CPPCC National Committee
Your Excellency Mr. Bater, Director of the Commission of the State Ethnic Affairs of China,
Prof Wang Linxu,
President of China Art Gallery of Nationalities
Mr. Feng Lan, Director of International Affairs office,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honored to be back to the remarkable city of Beijing and to be part of this meaningful artistic event. I would like to thank Mr. Li Baodong . It is always good to see you my good friend.
I would also like to express my admiration to the exquisite collection of paintings of Prof Wang Linxu displayed in this historical gallery. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations is very pleased to be co-sponsoring this exhibition with China Art Gallery of Nationalities
The art works displayed here reflect 2 key messages of the Alliance : Sustainable Development and Love of Civilizations.
It would be stating the obvious to say that both issues are inter-connected and inter-related complementing each other.
I had the opportunity to meet with Prof. Linxu on several occasions in New York and to inaugurate one if his exhibitions at the United Nations headquarters. He also participated in our 7th Global Forum in Baku Azerbaijan last month. I must say he is a world-class art master. His art works integrates innovation, aesthetic beauty, love of nature and an unmistakable love of nature and humanity.
In that spirit, this art show transcends nations and nationalities. It bridges the gap between diverse cultures. It is manifestation of a dream world that of ‘One World , One Nature”. The notion corresponds with the mantra of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations “Many Cultures, One Humanity”.
You see, regardless of the language of the artists, art remains a Universal language that everyone understands. In that sense, I have added art to the toolbox of the Alliance of Civilizations, together with sport and music. I believe that all these forms of human expressions can tools for preventive diplomacy and promoting respect for cultural diversity. This platform can offer a new perspective of hope and peace for security and development when cultural diversity has been respected. This exhibition is a good example of all these notions.
The UN has been committed to promoting the development of education, science and culture, and has made remarkable contributions in these aspects. Chinese artists made great contributions to the UN’s efforts in cultural development with their characteristic artworks. Chinese paintings and calligraphies, with distinctive and unique aesthetic features and artistic expressions, are important part of the world culture and art.
This exhibition will further enhance our understandings of the traditional culture and art of China.
Chinese paintings and calligraphies serve as an epitome of the traditional Chinese culture, and reflect the cultural values and social concepts of the Chinese people. The positive attitudes toward man and nature and the artistic behavior shown by the Chinese artists since the ancient times have become a major part of the world cultural awareness. I would like to extend my warm welcome to all the Chinese artists as well as all the other talented artists whose artworks are displayed here.
Chinese painting has a history of over 2000 years. It is globally recognized as one of the five quintessential forms of the time-honored Chinese culture, with the four Chinese calligraphy, Chinese medicine, Chinese martial arts or Chinese Kungfu and of course Chinese cuisine.
This marvelous exhibition will help promote cultural diversity and harmony, which what we strive to achieve at the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
Let’s all take some time to walk around and enjoy the beauty of these art works. May they inspire all of us in our common mission for love and peace.
Thank you.