Secretary-General, in Message for Unveiling of Famed Artist’s ‘Enlightened Universe’, Says it Shows How to ‘Create a More Inclusive World’

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks for the unveiling of “Enlightened Universe”, in New York today:

Welcome to this celebration of United Nations Day.  The United Nations is 70 years old today.  For seven decades, the United Nations has served as a beacon of hope for people the world over.  As we mark this milestone, we have the honour to join in the unveiling of an installation, Enlightened Universe, created by the renowned Spanish artist Cristóbal Gabarrón.

This structure behind us depicts the great hope that all of us have invested in the United Nations.  The 70 figures surrounding the globe represent the 7.3 billion humans living on Earth today.  They also represent the 70 years of the United Nations’ life.  Their hands are joined in solidarity, to show how we create a more inclusive world; a world where we have shared values and a shared responsibility to protect our planet.

I am grateful to Mr. Gabarrón for creating this masterpiece and for doing so on his own initiative.  His artistic talent is only matched by the generosity of his spirit and his Foundation.

Thank you all for joining us on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.  I hope you will leave believing that a better future is within reach.

Happy United Nations Day!