Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Bern, September 18, 2021 – Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis and the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, inaugurated an 11,000 square meter environmentally friendly fresco by the artist Saype at the UN headquarters in New York on September 18, 2021. The ephemeral, biodegradable work of art “World in Progress II” is a commitment to increased international solidarity. The first part of “World in Progress” was presented in June 2020 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the UN.
The world is facing extraordinary challenges that require constant renewal of the multilateral system and the creation of suitable structures. In the 76 years of its existence, the UN has gone through many reform processes and constantly adapted to changing needs. “Now it is time for us to work for better global governance, for more justice and peace”, underlined Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), at the inauguration of the painting. In particular, he stressed the need to do more for prevention and to strengthen cooperation between the various actors, including states, non-governmental organizations, universities and the private sector.
Giant painting by the French-Swiss artist Saype
The fresco on the UN grounds shows two children drawing their world of tomorrow. His message: The youth should be included in the debate on how the United Nations can be stronger and more effective. The painting is in line with the joint program launched by General Secretary António Guterres to strengthen international solidarity. This program is on the agenda of the 76th UN General Assembly, which began on September 14, 2021.
Close relations between Switzerland and the UN
The head of the FDFA underscored Switzerland’s willingness to put all of its know-how at the service of this joint program. This commitment is part of the Swiss candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which bears the slogan “A Plus for Peace”.
In June 2020 the artist Saype created the first part of this huge, biodegradable lawn fresco in the park of the Palais des Nations in Geneva. “The artistic connection between the two UN seats illustrates the intense relationship between New York and Geneva. Switzerland is proud to host this UN headquarters, ”said Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, while at the same time emphasizing that Geneva has what it takes to develop innovative solutions for a successful and sustainable future.
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