THE FUTURE WE WANT T H R O U G H
T H E
E Y E S
O F
A R T I S T S
INTERNATIONAL GENEVA
The city of Geneva lies in the southwestern tip of Switzerland and boasts some of the country’s most recognized qualities. The spectacular views of the surrounding mountains capture first-time visitors and long-standing residents alike, its competitive financial centre attracts business persons from around the world, its quality of life is second to none and, above all else, Geneva hosts a high number of international organizations. This led to the term “International Geneva” being coined. It all started in 1863, when the Red Cross was founded in Geneva to protect victims of armed conflicts. Today, people come together in this city to address not only humanitarian needs, but also challenges related to peace, health, science, human rights, migration, climate change and more. International Geneva unites international organizations,
academic institutions, an international business community, many non-governmental organizations and the permanent representatives of 178 Member States of the United Nations. The lives affected by International Geneva extend well beyond Geneva itself and the leitmotif that runs through its work is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are the way that International Geneva, together with its many partners across the world, fights against poverty, prevents violence, protects the planet and does so much more. Although Geneva may be small in size, its reach is global. It is the venue where the world crafts solutions.
The book, The Future we Want, through the eyes of artists, was created by the Perception Change Project and gifted to the top three winners of the art competition, The Future we Want. The production of this book has been made possible thanks to the support of the Division of Conference Management at UN Geneva who edited and printed the books, and to the United Nations design team, who helped put it together creatively. Printed by the Production and Support Service at UN Geneva, 2021. The content was consolidated by the Perception Change Project in the Office of the Director-General at the United Nations Geneva.
ABOUT THE BOOK Art brings people together. It transcends cultures, age groups, beliefs and genders. It’s an expression of ourselves and of others. It helps us understand each other better. Art is beauty. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate art. No matter who we are, or where we come from, we can all enjoy what art offers to humanity. And that is why, at the beginning of 2020, the Perception Change Project set out to achieve a big goal in a short amount of time: to invite all the permanent missions to the United Nations at Geneva to participate in a multicultural art contest, a special event initiated by the United Nations DirectorGeneral in commemoration of the organization’s 75th anniversary. The topic of the art competition was in line with the UN75 theme: the future we want.
Over a period of a few months, the art contest attracted 44 permanent missions, who each selected an artist from their country to interpret their vision of The Future We Want. After receiving all the artists’ submissions, an online voting system was opened to the public. A competitive streak ran through every country, collecting around 17,000 votes from the worldwide public, thus determining the top 10 art pieces. An internationally-represented jury of children knowledgeable about art then selected three winners from the top 10 art pieces chosen by the public. The winners were from the permanent missions of Lithuania, Liechtenstein and the people’s Republic of China respectively. This book was created in celebration of their talents and to reward them for their outstanding work. While a hard copy of the book will be given to the top three winners, an online version will be displayed on the Perception Change Project’s ISSUU website for everyone to enjoy. A special fourth prize was selected by the DirectorGeneral, and awarded to the permanent mission of Brazil. The winner of the Director-General’s prize was invited to exhibit her artwork in the Palais des Nations. In addition, every permanent mission that participated in the art contest was invited to celebrate all the artists’ talents at the Palais, where an exhibition was held in late 2020. The exhibition was later moved to a public gallery in Geneva, D10 Art Space, until early 2021. Without further delay, come and discover the winning artworks from this international art contest, The Future We Want.
The Wall by Sigita Maslauskait ė - -Mažylien ė
“
SIGITA MASLAUSKAITĖMAŽYLIENĖ LITHUANIA
This Contest revealed to me that a painting can hardly be an adequate way to present the experiences of war and exile, but the image can very well become a significant appeal for remembrance and compassion. I believe that the eternal topics of human history combined with personal experiences and imagination and reflected in a piece of modern art can send out an inspiring message.
”
FIRST PLACE Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė, was born in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania on December 22, 1970. The young painter graduated from her studies in 1996 at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, a Lithuanian expressionist school. She then pursued her studies in church heritage at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, for four years. And in 2015, she obtained her doctorate at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. This young expressionist painter is true to the tradition of Lithuanian expressionist painting, rooted in her by her teachers. She dedicates a lot of her attention to the aspect of portrayal, using bold brush strokes and uneven textures, while trying to communicate significant stories emotionally. Her works of art have a distinctive look, with a generally subdued colour palette. Given her academic history, with theological studies in art, many of Sigita Maslauskait ėėė-Mažylien ėė ’s
paintings focus on religious art. She also has a romantic vision of the world that is revealed in some of her secular paintings. Across the different themes of her paintings, her talents have not gone unrecognized. In 2015, she received a medal: The Order for Merits to Lithuania. This is an award presented by the President of Lithuania, for cultural services that promote the name of Lithuania. Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė has also received a number of grants from the government to execute masterpieces that are owned by private collections in Lithuania and abroad. Currently Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė is engaged in academic research activity. She has published the monograph “The History of the Image of Saint Casimir in the 16th–18th Centuries”, 2010; and “Dzieje wizerunku św. Kazimierza od XVI do XVIII wieku. Między ikonografią a tekstem”, 2013.
Her painting, “Wall”, won first place in the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”. In the painting, people – representative of refugees – are looking over a wall towards a future they desire, yet they are separated from it. (A refugee is somebody who is persecuted for their religion, race, citizenship or political beliefs, as well as somebody who cannot return to their normal life due to fear or illness). Visual images and symbols of refugees can be found in many artworks from as far back as the 6th century BC in papyri, to the portals of Gothic cathedrals, from Rembrandt to K. Kollwitz. In illustrating this topic, Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė brings the viewers’ attention to this minority group, separated behind a wall they want to cross in the hope of attaining a better life.
The Wall by Sigita Maslauskait ė - -Mažylien ė
“
SIGITA MASLAUSKAITĖMAŽYLIENĖ LITHUANIA
This Contest revealed to me that a painting can hardly be an adequate way to present the experiences of war and exile, but the image can very well become a significant appeal for remembrance and compassion. I believe that the eternal topics of human history combined with personal experiences and imagination and reflected in a piece of modern art can send out an inspiring message.
”
FIRST PLACE Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė, was born in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania on December 22, 1970. The young painter graduated from her studies in 1996 at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, a Lithuanian expressionist school. She then pursued her studies in church heritage at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, for four years. And in 2015, she obtained her doctorate at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. This young expressionist painter is true to the tradition of Lithuanian expressionist painting, rooted in her by her teachers. She dedicates a lot of her attention to the aspect of portrayal, using bold brush strokes and uneven textures, while trying to communicate significant stories emotionally. Her works of art have a distinctive look, with a generally subdued colour palette. Given her academic history, with theological studies in art, many of Sigita Maslauskait ėėė-Mažylien ėė ’s
paintings focus on religious art. She also has a romantic vision of the world that is revealed in some of her secular paintings. Across the different themes of her paintings, her talents have not gone unrecognized. In 2015, she received a medal: The Order for Merits to Lithuania. This is an award presented by the President of Lithuania, for cultural services that promote the name of Lithuania. Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė has also received a number of grants from the government to execute masterpieces that are owned by private collections in Lithuania and abroad. Currently Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė is engaged in academic research activity. She has published the monograph “The History of the Image of Saint Casimir in the 16th–18th Centuries”, 2010; and “Dzieje wizerunku św. Kazimierza od XVI do XVIII wieku. Między ikonografią a tekstem”, 2013.
Her painting, “Wall”, won first place in the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”. In the painting, people – representative of refugees – are looking over a wall towards a future they desire, yet they are separated from it. (A refugee is somebody who is persecuted for their religion, race, citizenship or political beliefs, as well as somebody who cannot return to their normal life due to fear or illness). Visual images and symbols of refugees can be found in many artworks from as far back as the 6th century BC in papyri, to the portals of Gothic cathedrals, from Rembrandt to K. Kollwitz. In illustrating this topic, Sigita Maslauskait ėė -Mažylien ėė brings the viewers’ attention to this minority group, separated behind a wall they want to cross in the hope of attaining a better life.
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
In our world there should be no borders! It would be a very beautiful planet full of freedom among humans. I would tear down all the walls, barriers and there would be no wars, so we would all be very happy. That is what this painting transmits to me, a message full of freedom.
”
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
10 years old
“
This is a beautiful, uplifting artwork. The child being raised up to look over the wall reminds me of how, when we work together, we can achieve the future we all desire together and even the smallest of people will not be left behind, as the youth is the hope to grasp and sustain this idealized future.
”
MADIE Crawshaw – Australia
16 years old
“
From my point of view, it is a wonderful way to highlight the dreams of people wanting to change our way of life for the better. This drawing reminded me that people can be dreamers, and architects of their future, but the burden is less when there are more people. An impressive way of expressing themselves with drawings.
”
RUTH Beradany Claros Gomez – Honduras
14 years old
“
This is a really touching drawing. It shows us a reality that families face every day. Some people who look for new and better opportunities are frequently stopped because of many reasons. Such as political events or maybe the religion they believe in. This should not be a problem anymore, they should not be stopped, judged or compared because of the decisions they take. This is a problem that we should get to know more about and try to fix for a better quality of life. And the painting shows how the dream is taken away from them.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
12 years old
“
I believe that this work puts us in a moment of reflection as a family, race and as groups where we want to achieve dreams but there are always barriers which are challenges that we will be willing to conquer. It is a work that is very well done, you can enjoy the great harmony and nuances of colours.
”
HISHA Maria Barralaga Madrid – Honduras
14 years old
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
In our world there should be no borders! It would be a very beautiful planet full of freedom among humans. I would tear down all the walls, barriers and there would be no wars, so we would all be very happy. That is what this painting transmits to me, a message full of freedom.
”
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
10 years old
“
This is a beautiful, uplifting artwork. The child being raised up to look over the wall reminds me of how, when we work together, we can achieve the future we all desire together and even the smallest of people will not be left behind, as the youth is the hope to grasp and sustain this idealized future.
”
MADIE Crawshaw – Australia
16 years old
“
From my point of view, it is a wonderful way to highlight the dreams of people wanting to change our way of life for the better. This drawing reminded me that people can be dreamers, and architects of their future, but the burden is less when there are more people. An impressive way of expressing themselves with drawings.
”
RUTH Beradany Claros Gomez – Honduras
14 years old
“
This is a really touching drawing. It shows us a reality that families face every day. Some people who look for new and better opportunities are frequently stopped because of many reasons. Such as political events or maybe the religion they believe in. This should not be a problem anymore, they should not be stopped, judged or compared because of the decisions they take. This is a problem that we should get to know more about and try to fix for a better quality of life. And the painting shows how the dream is taken away from them.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
12 years old
“
I believe that this work puts us in a moment of reflection as a family, race and as groups where we want to achieve dreams but there are always barriers which are challenges that we will be willing to conquer. It is a work that is very well done, you can enjoy the great harmony and nuances of colours.
”
HISHA Maria Barralaga Madrid – Honduras
14 years old
Diversity Crowd by Luigi Olivadoti
“
It was a great honour for me to represent Liechtenstein, especially with such a positive message that hopefully one day will not seem too utopian. Furthermore, it was nice to receive so much positive feedback from so many friends and acquaintances.
LUIGI OLIVADOTI LIECHTENSTEIN
”
SECOND PLACE Luigi Olivadoti was born in 1983 in Grabs, Switzerland, but he grew up in Liechtenstein. He came back to Switzerland for his studies, where he graduated with honours in communication design in Zurich in 2007, and passed with distinction. He then went on to study visual communication at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and graduated three years later in 2010. Currently, Luigi Olivadoti works as a freelance illustrator for magazines, newspapers and children’s books. One of his current projects is illustrating a children’s book about a cuckoo returning home from vacation, which will be published in 2021. He will also be working on the art in architecture project, where he will be painting a building’s underground parking area and stairwell with colourful depictions of people.
Luigi Olivadoti designed postage stamps for the partnership between the Swiss and Liechtenstein Post. The illustrations depict the diverse population of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, representative of different religions, attitudes, sexual orientations and geographical origins. Luigi Olivadoti has participated in many solo and group exhibitions over the last decade, and won several awards and nominations. Most recently, in 2020, he was nominated for the Swiss Design Award of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture for his illustrative work. For the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”, Luigi Olivadoti won the second-place prize. He submitted a bright and vibrate painting of a diverse group of people, entitled, “Diversity Crowd”. The painting depicts just that: different citizens from two
neighbouring countries. People with dissimilar religions and views, sexual orientations or geographical origins march together in a colourful parade. Despite the wide range in demographics in this painting, unity and harmony are represented, a true reflection of an ideal future.
Diversity Crowd by Luigi Olivadoti
“
It was a great honour for me to represent Liechtenstein, especially with such a positive message that hopefully one day will not seem too utopian. Furthermore, it was nice to receive so much positive feedback from so many friends and acquaintances.
LUIGI OLIVADOTI LIECHTENSTEIN
”
SECOND PLACE Luigi Olivadoti was born in 1983 in Grabs, Switzerland, but he grew up in Liechtenstein. He came back to Switzerland for his studies, where he graduated with honours in communication design in Zurich in 2007, and passed with distinction. He then went on to study visual communication at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and graduated three years later in 2010. Currently, Luigi Olivadoti works as a freelance illustrator for magazines, newspapers and children’s books. One of his current projects is illustrating a children’s book about a cuckoo returning home from vacation, which will be published in 2021. He will also be working on the art in architecture project, where he will be painting a building’s underground parking area and stairwell with colourful depictions of people.
Luigi Olivadoti designed postage stamps for the partnership between the Swiss and Liechtenstein Post. The illustrations depict the diverse population of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, representative of different religions, attitudes, sexual orientations and geographical origins. Luigi Olivadoti has participated in many solo and group exhibitions over the last decade, and won several awards and nominations. Most recently, in 2020, he was nominated for the Swiss Design Award of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture for his illustrative work. For the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”, Luigi Olivadoti won the second-place prize. He submitted a bright and vibrate painting of a diverse group of people, entitled, “Diversity Crowd”. The painting depicts just that: different citizens from two
neighbouring countries. People with dissimilar religions and views, sexual orientations or geographical origins march together in a colourful parade. Despite the wide range in demographics in this painting, unity and harmony are represented, a true reflection of an ideal future.
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
I really find this painting entertaining to look at. It's just full of colours, it's really startling. But if you look more into it you will be able to see different people. All living and accepting each other, freely. This is a dream many of us have, to be finally accepted. We are all unique and we have amazing differences, different qualities, and we should all be proud of whatever makes us special… Paintings like this make us realize that we still have a long way to go, but it gives us hope.
”
“
I gave this painting a high rating because it describes what the painter wants to say. I guess it is a modern painting and it can be easily understood by a child like me. I’ve noticed that the painter used vivid colours, which are the pink (feminine), blue (manly/man), green (typecast), red/white (religion) and yellow (race). What I love the most in this painting is the combination of colours that says, “Life is so wonderful”. It shows that there is peace, respect, and happiness while in a crowd.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
AMIHAN D. Limbona – Philippines
12 years old
13 years old
“
I find the explosion of colour in this drawing depicts how happy everyone can be when we set our differences aside, creating a world of only love and peace. I love the inclusion of everyone no matter their sexual orientation, religion or race as it shows that we have the power to raise each other up and march together in a colourful, joyous future.
”
MADIE Crawshaw – Australia
16 years old
“
The parades, in which people from different countries participate are very good and beautiful. Their bright colours cheer and unify the peoples. This is how this work is, well done ... because it shows us that unity is strength.
”
“
The painting was very powerful in terms of composition and illustration, and use of happy colours together has greatly helped the goal of the subject of competition, and creates a bright and happy future.
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
BARAD Memar Kermani – Iran
10 years old
11 years old
”
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
I really find this painting entertaining to look at. It's just full of colours, it's really startling. But if you look more into it you will be able to see different people. All living and accepting each other, freely. This is a dream many of us have, to be finally accepted. We are all unique and we have amazing differences, different qualities, and we should all be proud of whatever makes us special… Paintings like this make us realize that we still have a long way to go, but it gives us hope.
”
“
I gave this painting a high rating because it describes what the painter wants to say. I guess it is a modern painting and it can be easily understood by a child like me. I’ve noticed that the painter used vivid colours, which are the pink (feminine), blue (manly/man), green (typecast), red/white (religion) and yellow (race). What I love the most in this painting is the combination of colours that says, “Life is so wonderful”. It shows that there is peace, respect, and happiness while in a crowd.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
AMIHAN D. Limbona – Philippines
12 years old
13 years old
“
I find the explosion of colour in this drawing depicts how happy everyone can be when we set our differences aside, creating a world of only love and peace. I love the inclusion of everyone no matter their sexual orientation, religion or race as it shows that we have the power to raise each other up and march together in a colourful, joyous future.
”
MADIE Crawshaw – Australia
16 years old
“
The parades, in which people from different countries participate are very good and beautiful. Their bright colours cheer and unify the peoples. This is how this work is, well done ... because it shows us that unity is strength.
”
“
The painting was very powerful in terms of composition and illustration, and use of happy colours together has greatly helped the goal of the subject of competition, and creates a bright and happy future.
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
BARAD Memar Kermani – Iran
10 years old
11 years old
”
“
It is my pleasure to participate in this event, which is a platform for the exchange of artists from all over the world.
ZHAO PEIZHI THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
”
The future that we dream a harmonious world of coexistence by Zhao Peizhi
THIRD PLACE Zhao Peizhi is the Director of the Oil Painting Institute of the China National Academy of Painting, and is a member of the Chinese Artists Association. He has participated in many large exhibitions in China and abroad, and won several gold and silver awards. His works can be viewed at different art institutions such as the National Art Museum of China, the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum, the Dadu Art Museum, the Shandong Art Museum and the Hunan Art Museum. Zhao Peizhi is talented in using unique realistic techniques to express the living states and spiritual world of contemporary Chinese people. In order to explore the social relationship between people in contemporary society, he has been
consistently seeking an international language to express the kindness, beauty and sincerity of human nature. Taking part in the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”, the third-place winner, Zhao Peizhi submitted a piece of art appropriately titled, “The future that we dream a harmonious world of coexistence”. In his mind, the ideal future is a beautiful world of peace, equality, freedom, full of love and sunshine, where people on earth love each other and live in harmony with nature and animals. This painting serves as a surreal symbol of harmony. The painting is of five children from different continents, which represents the future and hope of mankind. The children are around a blue circle, which sym-
bolizes the planet on which we live, with different kinds of animals from around the world. With green plants and a blue sky in the background, a white dove on the top symbolizes a future where there are no wars, only peace and tranquillity. The five children and the surrounding animals and plants are merged into a bluegreen background, which shows a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The artist tries to use beautiful images of children and touching colours to impress people and inspire them to make continuous efforts to realize a better future for the world. The art piece is symbolic of a future in which all people overcome their differences and become one big family living in harmony. It is an expression of the beautiful world that the artist dreams of for the future.
“
It is my pleasure to participate in this event, which is a platform for the exchange of artists from all over the world.
ZHAO PEIZHI THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
”
The future that we dream a harmonious world of coexistence by Zhao Peizhi
THIRD PLACE Zhao Peizhi is the Director of the Oil Painting Institute of the China National Academy of Painting, and is a member of the Chinese Artists Association. He has participated in many large exhibitions in China and abroad, and won several gold and silver awards. His works can be viewed at different art institutions such as the National Art Museum of China, the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum, the Dadu Art Museum, the Shandong Art Museum and the Hunan Art Museum. Zhao Peizhi is talented in using unique realistic techniques to express the living states and spiritual world of contemporary Chinese people. In order to explore the social relationship between people in contemporary society, he has been
consistently seeking an international language to express the kindness, beauty and sincerity of human nature. Taking part in the UN75 art competition, “The Future we Want”, the third-place winner, Zhao Peizhi submitted a piece of art appropriately titled, “The future that we dream a harmonious world of coexistence”. In his mind, the ideal future is a beautiful world of peace, equality, freedom, full of love and sunshine, where people on earth love each other and live in harmony with nature and animals. This painting serves as a surreal symbol of harmony. The painting is of five children from different continents, which represents the future and hope of mankind. The children are around a blue circle, which sym-
bolizes the planet on which we live, with different kinds of animals from around the world. With green plants and a blue sky in the background, a white dove on the top symbolizes a future where there are no wars, only peace and tranquillity. The five children and the surrounding animals and plants are merged into a bluegreen background, which shows a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The artist tries to use beautiful images of children and touching colours to impress people and inspire them to make continuous efforts to realize a better future for the world. The art piece is symbolic of a future in which all people overcome their differences and become one big family living in harmony. It is an expression of the beautiful world that the artist dreams of for the future.
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
This one is really lovely. It shows us a world of coexistence between human and animals. Different races and all types of animals living in harmony. It's something we have all think of as a “perfect world”. This one gives us a strong idea of the future we want.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
12 years old
“
This is the reflection of every living being's dream. Humans, animals, and plants depend on each other for survival. So, there cannot be room for any sort of inferiority complex, discrimination, or scare of being demolished by others. Our earth is the safest zone for each and every one.
”
SAIED Muhammad Zareef Saleh – Bangladesh
13 years old
“
I gave this painting a high rating because it implies love and respect for animals, nature and humanity. No matter the difference of races, we should live harmoniously. I think the painter used children as his subject aside from the endangered animals/species because we know that the youth is the hope of every nation to live in peace and to preserve and protect the nature, as well. In my opinion, the colours of the painting give emphasis to the beauty of Mother Earth.
”
AMIHAN D. Limbona – Philippines
13 years old
“
Enjoying nature, caring for it and protecting it is something that all human beings should do. It doesn't matter our race, or the country where we live. We must relate in harmony with the animals and the environment, as we can see in this beautiful painting.
”
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
10 years old
“
This drawing shows how humans and animals can live happily and in harmony together in this world. It also reflects the unity of the world without distinction of any race, religion, language or beliefs.
”
PRIMA Rungruang – Thailand
14 years old
WHAT DO THE YOUNG JURY HAVE TO SAY?
“
This one is really lovely. It shows us a world of coexistence between human and animals. Different races and all types of animals living in harmony. It's something we have all think of as a “perfect world”. This one gives us a strong idea of the future we want.
”
MACARENA Diaz – Bolivia
12 years old
“
This is the reflection of every living being's dream. Humans, animals, and plants depend on each other for survival. So, there cannot be room for any sort of inferiority complex, discrimination, or scare of being demolished by others. Our earth is the safest zone for each and every one.
”
SAIED Muhammad Zareef Saleh – Bangladesh
13 years old
“
I gave this painting a high rating because it implies love and respect for animals, nature and humanity. No matter the difference of races, we should live harmoniously. I think the painter used children as his subject aside from the endangered animals/species because we know that the youth is the hope of every nation to live in peace and to preserve and protect the nature, as well. In my opinion, the colours of the painting give emphasis to the beauty of Mother Earth.
”
AMIHAN D. Limbona – Philippines
13 years old
“
Enjoying nature, caring for it and protecting it is something that all human beings should do. It doesn't matter our race, or the country where we live. We must relate in harmony with the animals and the environment, as we can see in this beautiful painting.
”
LEIDY Marian Galvez Sosa – Cuba
10 years old
“
This drawing shows how humans and animals can live happily and in harmony together in this world. It also reflects the unity of the world without distinction of any race, religion, language or beliefs.
”
PRIMA Rungruang – Thailand
14 years old
Amihan LIMBONA 13 years old – Philippines
ABOUT THE JURY OF CHILDREN KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT ART
Madison CRAWSHAW 16 years old – Australia
ABOUT THE PERCEPTION CHANGE PROJECT Barad MEMAR KARMANI 11 years old – Iran
Prima RUNGRUANG 14 years old – Thailand
Hishah María BARRALAGA MADRID 14 years old – Honduras
Ruth Beradany CLAROS GÓMEZ 14 years old – Honduras
We would like to thank our young jury who took the time to review and rate the artworks selected by the online voting. A special thanks also goes to the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) and the World Food Programme (WFP), who helped us put this jury together.
Leidy Marian GÁLVEZ SOSA 10 years old – Cuba
Macarena DÍAZ TERRAZAS 12 years old – Bolivia
Saied Muhammad Zareef SALEH 13 years old – Bangladesh
Time and again, when people hear about the United Nations for the first time, their eyes light up. Especially children. The comfort and reassurance they feel knowing that there is an organization that brings the entire world together, for peace, rights and well-being, are unparalleled. We don’t need to explain why there is a need for such an organization. We all get it. It’s there, for all of us. And it’s in International Geneva. At the same time, this feeling of awe and security fades away quickly because we live in tumultuous times and, of course, the reality is different. We have ups and downs, and we are also constantly adapting to address new challenges. News stories often focus on the negative, while we all take the positive for
granted. We have a natural tendency to put the spotlight on issues that need to be fixed rather than celebrate what we are good at. But the mission and underlying impact of the work of the United Nations and its partners remain the same, and we don’t always realize it in our daily lives. The good news is that this constellation of organizations that make up International Geneva is still there, carrying out its noble mission. And it belongs to all of us. For it to thrive, we all need to recognize its value, its impact and make sure it can do what it was designed to do. This is what the Perception Change Project has set out to do and it succeeds every time: eyes light up when people hear about the United Nations, just like they did the first time.
Amihan LIMBONA 13 years old – Philippines
ABOUT THE JURY OF CHILDREN KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT ART
Madison CRAWSHAW 16 years old – Australia
ABOUT THE PERCEPTION CHANGE PROJECT Barad MEMAR KARMANI 11 years old – Iran
Prima RUNGRUANG 14 years old – Thailand
Hishah María BARRALAGA MADRID 14 years old – Honduras
Ruth Beradany CLAROS GÓMEZ 14 years old – Honduras
We would like to thank our young jury who took the time to review and rate the artworks selected by the online voting. A special thanks also goes to the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) and the World Food Programme (WFP), who helped us put this jury together.
Leidy Marian GÁLVEZ SOSA 10 years old – Cuba
Macarena DÍAZ TERRAZAS 12 years old – Bolivia
Saied Muhammad Zareef SALEH 13 years old – Bangladesh
Time and again, when people hear about the United Nations for the first time, their eyes light up. Especially children. The comfort and reassurance they feel knowing that there is an organization that brings the entire world together, for peace, rights and well-being, are unparalleled. We don’t need to explain why there is a need for such an organization. We all get it. It’s there, for all of us. And it’s in International Geneva. At the same time, this feeling of awe and security fades away quickly because we live in tumultuous times and, of course, the reality is different. We have ups and downs, and we are also constantly adapting to address new challenges. News stories often focus on the negative, while we all take the positive for
granted. We have a natural tendency to put the spotlight on issues that need to be fixed rather than celebrate what we are good at. But the mission and underlying impact of the work of the United Nations and its partners remain the same, and we don’t always realize it in our daily lives. The good news is that this constellation of organizations that make up International Geneva is still there, carrying out its noble mission. And it belongs to all of us. For it to thrive, we all need to recognize its value, its impact and make sure it can do what it was designed to do. This is what the Perception Change Project has set out to do and it succeeds every time: eyes light up when people hear about the United Nations, just like they did the first time.
INTERNATIONAL GENEVA
The city of Geneva lies in the southwestern tip of Switzerland and boasts some of the country’s most recognized qualities. The spectacular views of the surrounding mountains capture first-time visitors and long-standing residents alike, its competitive financial centre attracts business persons from around the world, its quality of life is second to none and, above all else, Geneva hosts a high number of international organizations. This led to the term “International Geneva” being coined. It all started in 1863, when the Red Cross was founded in Geneva to protect victims of armed conflicts. Today, people come together in this city to address not only humanitarian needs, but also challenges related to peace, health, science, human rights, migration, climate change and more. International Geneva unites international organizations,
academic institutions, an international business community, many non-governmental organizations and the permanent representatives of 178 Member States of the United Nations. The lives affected by International Geneva extend well beyond Geneva itself and the leitmotif that runs through its work is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are the way that International Geneva, together with its many partners across the world, fights against poverty, prevents violence, protects the planet and does so much more. Although Geneva may be small in size, its reach is global. It is the venue where the world crafts solutions.
INTERNATIONAL GENEVA
The city of Geneva lies in the southwestern tip of Switzerland and boasts some of the country’s most recognized qualities. The spectacular views of the surrounding mountains capture first-time visitors and long-standing residents alike, its competitive financial centre attracts business persons from around the world, its quality of life is second to none and, above all else, Geneva hosts a high number of international organizations. This led to the term “International Geneva” being coined. It all started in 1863, when the Red Cross was founded in Geneva to protect victims of armed conflicts. Today, people come together in this city to address not only humanitarian needs, but also challenges related to peace, health, science, human rights, migration, climate change and more. International Geneva unites international organizations,
academic institutions, an international business community, many non-governmental organizations and the permanent representatives of 178 Member States of the United Nations. The lives affected by International Geneva extend well beyond Geneva itself and the leitmotif that runs through its work is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are the way that International Geneva, together with its many partners across the world, fights against poverty, prevents violence, protects the planet and does so much more. Although Geneva may be small in size, its reach is global. It is the venue where the world crafts solutions.
The book, The Future we Want, through the eyes of artists, was created by the Perception Change Project and gifted to the top three winners of the art competition, The Future we Want. The production of this book has been made possible thanks to the support of the Division of Conference Management at UN Geneva who edited and printed the books, and to the United Nations design team, who helped put it together creatively. Printed by the Production and Support Service at UN Geneva, 2021. The content was consolidated by the Perception Change Project in the Office of the Director-General at the United Nations Geneva.
ABOUT THE BOOK Art brings people together. It transcends cultures, age groups, beliefs and genders. It’s an expression of ourselves and of others. It helps us understand each other better. Art is beauty. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate art. No matter who we are, or where we come from, we can all enjoy what art offers to humanity. And that is why, at the beginning of 2020, the Perception Change Project set out to achieve a big goal in a short amount of time: to invite all the permanent missions to the United Nations at Geneva to participate in a multicultural art contest, a special event initiated by the United Nations DirectorGeneral in commemoration of the organization’s 75th anniversary. The topic of the art competition was in line with the UN75 theme: the future we want.
Over a period of a few months, the art contest attracted 44 permanent missions, who each selected an artist from their country to interpret their vision of The Future We Want. After receiving all the artists’ submissions, an online voting system was opened to the public. A competitive streak ran through every country, collecting around 17,000 votes from the worldwide public, thus determining the top 10 art pieces. An internationally-represented jury of children knowledgeable about art then selected three winners from the top 10 art pieces chosen by the public. The winners were from the permanent missions of Lithuania, Liechtenstein and the people’s Republic of China respectively. This book was created in celebration of their talents and to reward them for their outstanding work. While a hard copy of the book will be given to the top three winners, an online version will be displayed on the Perception Change Project’s ISSUU website for everyone to enjoy. A special fourth prize was selected by the DirectorGeneral, and awarded to the permanent mission of Brazil. The winner of the Director-General’s prize was invited to exhibit her artwork in the Palais des Nations. In addition, every permanent mission that participated in the art contest was invited to celebrate all the artists’ talents at the Palais, where an exhibition was held in late 2020. The exhibition was later moved to a public gallery in Geneva, D10 Art Space, until early 2021. Without further delay, come and discover the winning artworks from this international art contest, The Future We Want.