This gift of a tapestry, entitled Chernobyl, was designed by Belarusian artist Alexander Kishchenko (1933 – 1997), which commemorates the Chernobyl tragedy of 1986. This hand-woven tapestry was gifted in commemoration of the United Nations international cooperation for a solution to the explosion. 

The artist was a painter, mosaicist, and teacher. He studied at the Lviv National Academy of Arts, in Ukraine, and worked at the Belarusian State Academy of Arts in Minsk, Belarus. His abstract and unique artwork is emblazoned with snakes, lightning bolts and human figures, evoking a sense of alarm.

On 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, a routine 20-second system shut down was interrupted with an explosion that released dangerous radionuclides into the atmosphere. The Soviet Government acknowledged the need for international assistance for recovery. The General Assembly adopted Resolution 45/190, which called for “international cooperation to address and mitigate the consequences at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.” The United Nations assembled an Inter-Agency Task Force, including ministers from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine to create a response. Today, involved parties yearly discuss ways to solve problems in the region. The Belarussian government continues to dedicate much of its annual budget to these related issues. 

This tapestry was presented as a gift from the Government and People of Belarus by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Petr Kuzmich Kravchanka. It was accepted on behalf of the United Nations by the Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (1920 – 2020). The presentation ceremony was attended by the artist, Alexander Kishchenko.