Director-General's remarks for the Fifth Edition of the Asian Festival 2025

5th Asian Festival 2025
Wednesday, 11 June 2025, at 10.45 a.m.
WIPO

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General 
by Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet,
Office of the Director-General

Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear colleagues,

I am honoured to join you today for the fifth Edition of the Asian Festival and to deliver the message of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who unfortunately could not be with us.

On behalf of the Director-General, I would like to thank the Asian Ambassadors’ Wives Association for organizing this beautiful celebration.

The theme of this year’s event - “Jewels of Asia” - invites us to admire the exquisite craftsmanship and rich heritage of Asian jewelry. From the intricate techniques passed down from generation to generation to the symbolic meanings contained in each piece, these precious jewels reflect the diversity of the continent's cultures, histories, and artistic traditions.

At a time when our world faces increasing fragmentation, cultural celebrations such as this Festival stand as powerful reminders of the strength found in diversity. They are bridges of understanding, pathways to mutual respect, and powerful expressions of our shared human experience.

The United Nations Office at Geneva is proud to support such exchanges. Through our Cultural Activities Programme, we host many exhibitions, performances and other initiatives which provide an opportunity for Member States to share their cultures with the broader international community.

By bringing together diverse communities and voices, and creating a dialogue, cultural events, like today’s festival, turn the ideals of multilateralism into lived and tangible experiences. They remind us both of the bonds that unite us, and of our shared desire for a better future.

Today, we gather to enjoy the Asian Festival, but also to affirm our belief in the value of global solidarity and our commitment to multilateral cooperation. Let us celebrate not only the beauty of Asia’s jewels, but also the enduring friendship between nations, the power of cultural diversity, and our collective commitment to a world where all can thrive together.

Thank you.