Secretary-General's message for the Special Event Commemorating the Reinstallation of the Gifts from Uruguay

Your Excellency Mr. Tabare Vazquez, President of Uruguay, Your Excellency Mr. Elbio Rosselli, Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the United Nations, Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen, Distinguished guests,

I am delighted to join you to celebrate the reinstallation of the sculpture “Amaneciendo Verticalmente,” by Ricardo Pascale and the painting “El Pescador de Chuy” by Zoma Baitler. These are powerful and moving works by two renowned Uruguayan artists.

We are especially honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Tabare Vazquez, President of Uruguay.

I also pay tribute to Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, and the staff of the Uruguayan Mission who made today possible.

Both of these artworks have special meaning for the United Nations.

When we look at “El Pescador de Chuy”, we see an award-winning masterpiece. At the same time, we find a scene from everyday life in the Uruguayan fishing town of Chuy. This is truly a snapshot of “We the Peoples” that the United Nations was created to serve. I hope all visitors and officials will be inspired by its beauty to advance our mission for peace.

The sculpture “Amaneciendo Verticalmente” is constructed from reclaimed wood originally harvested in the late 1920s. Mr. Pascale said he chose wood as the main material because it is “a paradigmatic symbol of life in its different manifestations”. He explained that the wood reaffirms the past and generates knowledge for the future.

The Secretary-General deeply appreciates these meaningful gifts and we are delighted to ‘welcome them home’ to their proud place at the United Nations.

The United Nations and Uruguay are collaborating across the international agenda. From Delivering as One to contributing peacekeepers to advocating for disarmament, Uruguay is a champion of United Nations causes.

Like these beautiful artworks, I am sure our partnership will continue to shine.

Thank you.