Humanity, Solidarity Exhibition held at Niavaran Cultural-Historic Complex in Tehran, 2023
One common thread bound all pieces together: diversity. From an incredible and historical book of poetry to sculptures embedded in the unique traditions of indigenous people, paintings of different styles, calligraphy, photography, and more.
By Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in Iran
Poverty is on the rise, affecting the most vulnerable. The triple-planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and waste, and biodiversity loss continues to ravage our planet; posing an existential threat to future generations.
Against this current grim state of affairs, I believe we should be louder than ever in our calls for unity and solidarity. Too much sorrow, too much pain. Humanity must come together. Humanity must do better
We – the United Nations in the Islamic Republic of Iran –joined such calls for unity and solidarity as part of our broader efforts to mark UN Day 2023 in the country; the 78th anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations coming into effect.
We decided to promote the core values that connect us all through the powerful language of art, and we organized a 10-day art exhibition showcasing pieces of art from 35 countries.
This exhibition is titled Humanity. Solidarity. One Planet was held at – and with the support of – the Niavaran Cultural-Historic Complex in Tehran, from 8-17 December 2023.
In this exhibition, one common thread bound all pieces together: diversity. From an incredible and historical book of poetry to sculptures embedded in the unique traditions of indigenous people, paintings of different styles, calligraphy, photography, and more.
In one section, photo replicas of gifts that have been provided to the UN Headquarters in New York were also on display, curated to reflect aspirations for peace and harmony.
This diversity is very much reflective of the current prevalent diversity of our world. And, the message that I took away was that our differences – as on display at this exhibition – should be a source of strength for our world, not a reason for division and conflict.
Our differences comprise our strength and advantage and they enrich us. Irrespective of the challenges around us, we cannot afford to forget that we are each part of a larger whole.
I found this exhibition important for two reasons. First, because of its theme, which recalls the core principles of the United Nations based on the UN Charter. It reminds us that despite our differences, we all belong to the same family called humanity.
The Charter is also based on the principle of solidarity, reflecting the aspiration that no country and no person is left behind. And last but not least, the Charter calls on us to protect this precious one and only planet that we all call our home.
Second, the very exercise of bringing nations from various continents, cultures, and traditions together through art and culture, is in the spirit of the global solidarity that our world demands more than ever.
My hope is that this exhibit has provided a window to the incredible stories from so many corners of the world for the people of Iran. This is important because the UN is not only a forum of countries and governments but also a platform for people to come together.
Today is International Human Solidarity Day. So, what better occasion, to reflect on these values that have defined the work of the UN since its birth, than today, a day in celebration of unity in diversity, and promotion of solidarity?
In the words of the UN Secretary-General, “We are a divided world. We can and must be United Nations.”
Let us unite our efforts to move towards a world where, finally, unity has triumphed over division, and that we live in solidarity, cherishing our common humanity, on a healthy and vibrant planet.
