UNHQ – 6:30, May 27, 2014
Your Excellency Ambassador Wang Min,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honored to be here to participate in the inauguration of the Exhibition of Outstanding Chinese Paintings and Calligraphies and to have exchanges with so many Chinese artists. The exhibition provides a good opportunity for us to get better understanding of the art of Chinese paintings and calligraphies, and to share our feelings with all the artists here.
You see, regardless of the language of the artists, art remains a Universal language that everyone understands. In that sense, I have added art to the toolbox of the Alliance of Civilizations, together with sport and music. I believe that all these forms of human expressions can tools for preventive diplomacy and promoting respect for cultural diversity. This platform can offer a new perspective of hope and peace for security and development when cultural diversity has been respected. This exhibition is a good example.
The UN has been committed to promoting the development of education, science and culture, and has made remarkable contributions in these aspects. Chinese artists made great contributions to the UN’s efforts in cultural development with their characteristic artworks. Chinese paintings and calligraphies, with distinctive and unique aesthetic features and artistic expressions, are important part of the world culture and art.
This exhibition will further enhance our understandings of the traditional culture and art of China.
Chinese paintings and calligraphies serve as an epitome of the traditional Chinese culture, and reflect the cultural values and social concepts of the Chinese people. The positive attitudes toward man and nature and the artistic behavior shown by the Chinese artists since the ancient times have become a major part of the world cultural awareness. I would like to extend my warm welcome to all the Chinese artists.
This exhibition of paintings and calligraphy will help promote cultural diversity and harmony, which what we strive to achieve at the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
So thank you for bringing this exhibition to New York City!
Wish the exhibition a great success!