Inauguration at the Palais des Nations of the exhibition entitled "A Time for Renewal" at the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter

Excellences
Mesdames et Messieurs:

C'est un grand plaisir de vous accueillir ce soir aux Palais des Nations pour cette exposition remarquable qui rassemble des œuvres d'art des nos états membres pour marquer le soixantième anniversaire de la signature de la Charte des Nations Unies.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to this event. I thank our Member States and Permanent Missions to the United Nations Office at Geneva, especially those who have so graciously contributed a piece of original artwork representative of their respective countries to this exhibition, which also serves as a reflection of the richness of our cultural diversity. I thank the Swiss Federal and Canton of Geneva authorities and the artists, some of whom we are very pleased to have amongst us this evening. I would also like to thank the Kayaleh Foundation and extend my congratulations to the talented young musicians of the Kayaleh Chamber Orchestra, representing 7 countries.

Ladies and Gentleman:

The works of art that you will be seeing before you this evening serve to reinforce the values and principles, which the United Nations is founded on. States that signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco sixty years ago took a pledge before all the peoples of the United Nations to protect future generations. They promised to establish conditions under which freedom and peace could be ensured and to promote social progress and better standards of life, in larger freedom. This exhibition not only showcases the fundamental values of peace and development that the United Nations promotes, but also serves to remind us that respecting and appreciating our cultural diversity helps to build understanding, contributing in turn to development, security and human rights.

Sixty years after the signing of the UN Charter, we face new threats and challenges in a changing world but we also face new opportunities. This collection forms part of our continuing efforts to promote UN principles and ideas. This requires a shared responsibility and commitment to keeping the promise made at the 2000 Millennium Summit. When we combine our experiences and expertise, which are rooted in diverse cultural backgrounds, and engage in dialogue, then we can progress together and achieve our aspirations.

The Secretary-General’s report entitled, “In Larger Freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all”, provides a framework for decisions by Member States at the 2005 World Summit which will take place from the 14th to the 16th of September in New York. This will be a historic opportunity to make a difference together and reiterate our commitment to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and to reform the United Nations with a speed and boldness not seen in its 60-year history. This is also the reason for the motto of the 60th anniversary, which is “A Time for Renewal”. We must renew our commitments and intensify our efforts in order to overcome the challenges of our time and ensure better standards of life in larger freedom, which those who signed the United Nations Charter 60 years ago aspired to do.

Ladies and Gentleman:

We have accomplished many things during the lifetime of the United Nations. We have maintained peace in war torn areas, assisted in the organization of elections, contributed to the eradication of diseases, of poverty, brought assistance to those who have suffered the consequences of environmental disasters like the Tsunami, and improved the lives of millions of children through the provision of schooling. In some situations we could have done more, which is why we face a crucial time in the history of the United Nations. Bold decisions are needed more than ever before. In a world of interconnected threats and challenges, we need to seize this historic opportunity to “better standards of life in larger freedom”, through the advancement on all three areas: development, security and human rights.

Ladies and Gentleman:

The exhibition is the first of a series of events, which are planned to take place in Geneva over a four-month period in observance of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. Various concerts, exhibitions, seminars and United Nations open days are planned, which will come to a closure on the 24th of October to mark United Nations Day.

Mesdames et Messieurs:

J'espère que vous apprécierez l'exposition, qui est le reflet de la richesse de notre diversité culturelle. Je vous souhaite une très agréable soirée.