Director-General's remarks at the Perception Change Project Awards Ceremony 2025 "Visions du Réel"

Perception Change Award Ceremony – “Visions du Réel”
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 at 7.30 p.m.
Théatre de Marens, Nyon

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome you to the fourth edition of the Perception Change Award ceremony for the Visions du Réel documentary film festival.

Let me begin by sincerely thanking Visions du Réel and the Diplomatic Club of Geneva for this fruitful and continuing collaboration.

Over the last four years, through this event, we have highlighted pressing global issues, thanks to the collective efforts of filmmakers who are dedicated to bringing them to public attention. By raising awareness and shifting perspectives, these films increase the prospect of meaningful action being taken.

This year, the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary amid a complex global landscape characterized by escalating conflicts, deepening climate crises, and growing humanitarian needs. This milestone presents a crucial moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to global solidarity and cooperation. Our role at UN Geneva remains crucial in facilitating these dialogues and supporting Member States in shaping effective multilateral responses.

Documentaries serve as powerful tools for raising awareness on pressing global issues, providing a platform to highlight complex topics and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard. Through compelling storytelling and vivid imagery, documentaries shed light on social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges, sparking conversations and inspiring action. This reinforced awareness is particularly beneficial for the United Nations, as it aligns with our mission to address global issues and promote peace, justice, and sustainable development.

Moreover, documentaries serve as catalysts for policy change, highlighting the urgency of issues and mobilizing public support for initiatives and campaigns. Additionally, they play a crucial role in shedding light on truths, injustices, and the human impact of policies. This transparency aligns with the UN’s efforts to promote good governance and human rights globally, contributing to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

Tonight, for the fourth Perception Change Award ceremony, I extend my gratitude to everyone who has dedicated time and effort to creating such documentary films.

Choosing a winner for this award was a challenging task for the jury. However, they unanimously agreed that one film stood out for its profound impact, which deserves special recognition.

I would now like to hand over to Ms. Aziyadé Poltier-Mutal, who will announce the winner of the Perception Change award.

Thank you.