Director-General's remarks for the Opening of the UNOG Gardening Club Exhibition

Opening of the Gardening Club Exhibition

Monday, 27 April 2026, at 5.00 p.m.
Building A-C, level 3, Palais des Nations

Delivered by Ms. Rima Al-Chikh, Director, Division of Conference Management, 
United Nations Office at Geneva

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the opening of this exhibition “Cultiver notre Jardin”. Unfortunately, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, could not join us today. She has asked me to convey the following message on her behalf.

“I would like to congratulate the UNOG Gardening Club and the artists whose work is displayed in this exhibition: Renata Seczawa and Dylan Westfeldt. I also warmly welcome the fact that this exhibition will support the local NGO “Apidae”, which works to protect local bees and raise awareness about their vital role in our ecosystems.

This collaborative effort between the Gardening Club, the artists and Apidae reflects not only talent and dedication, but also a shared vision that resonates strongly with the values of cooperation and partnership that we promote here at the United Nations.

Cultivating nature, even on a small scale, carries particular significance at a time of growing environmental and social challenges. Gardening enables individuals, families and communities to reconnect with natural cycles, strengthen food self-reliance and to develop a better appreciation of the resources that sustain life. By embracing and supporting gardening, we contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to food security, climate action and the protection of biodiversity. Both the work of the Gardening Club and the art exhibited here remind us that simple, daily actions can collectively drive progress toward our shared objectives.

At the United Nations Office at Geneva, we are privileged to work among beautiful gardens and grounds. The Ariana Park creates a tangible connection between our daily work and the values of sustainability that we seek to promote globally. As custodian of the park, UNOG is committed to preserve its natural and cultural heritage, while at the same time improving its ecological value. The Park hosts a diversity and splendour of trees and plants from around the world, as well as a set of beehives and, of course, the famous peacocks. Especially now, as it flourishes with springtime growth and colour, I encourage you to make time to walk through the Ariana Park and enjoy a moment of calm and reflection amongst the beauty of nature.

I am especially pleased that the plot of the UNOG Gardening Club is located within the Ariana Park, and we are proud to support it. The club provides an opportunity for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic amateurs to learn about gardening, try new fruits and vegetables, support better environmental practices and meet new people.

These benefits are representative of the spirit of all UNOG’s social clubs, which foster informal dialogue, strengthen community ties and contribute to making this institution a more open, human-centred and welcoming place. These clubs offer a rich array of activities and bring energy and vitality to the Palais des Nations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you once again to everybody involved in this initiative, and I look forward to seeing the exhibition.

Thank you.”

This was the message of the Director-General. Thank you for your attention.