"The Urban Landscape in Contemporary European Painting"

Ambassador Dumitriu
Ambassador Schmid
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen:

I am pleased to welcome you here this evening. This exhibition celebrates European cultural heritage and its urban landscape. And it is special. It represents a unique collaboration between many different member states of the Council of Europe. Truly this is multilateral diplomacy in action!

I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Dumitriu of the Council of Europe for this initiative. Also, to Ambassador Schmid and the Permanent Mission of Switzerland, without whom this event would not have been possible.

In opening this exhibition, we celebrate Europe Day and the founding of the Council of Europe. We also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Switzerland’s accession to the Council.

As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has emphasized, “the Council of Europe is a key partner of the United Nations”. We have a common mission. Human rights, rule of law, and democracy for all people.

From 1949 to today, the Council has been a committed champion of democracy in Europe. Forty-seven countries and eight hundred million citizens are better off for it.

Europe’s example of peaceful change through integration has been a source of inspiration for the entire international community. It continues to inspire us, even now, in difficult economic times.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This exhibition shows us the vibrant urban landscapes found across Europe. From Azerbaijan, to Portugal, to right here in Switzerland. In these paintings, we see how cities define our culture, our identities and our countries. We see both the celebration of differences and at the same time - a common cultural heritage.

And this is why I am so pleased to be able to showcase these artworks here at the Palais des Nations. As it is here that the international community comes together. Different, yet united in taking action. It is here that we celebrate culture and learn from our diversity. And it is here that we chart our way forward as a human family.

Thank you again to the Council of Europe and to Switzerland for giving us inspiring examples of unity in difference – both in this exhibition and in your own achievements.

Thank you very much.