UNESCO

With 188 Member States, the main objective of UNESCO is to create a culture of peace and non-violence by promoting worldwide the values of democracy, sustainable development, inter-cultural understanding and universal respect for justice, the rule of law and human rights through collaboration among nations in education, science, culture and communication, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion.

UNESCO, in association with TIMOTCA, Sponsors "Art Beyond Borders" to advance our mutual objective of the promotion of Peace and greater understanding through the universal language of art.

Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General UNESCO

Municipalities, schools, institutions and associations in every corner of the world are putting into practice the values of a culture of peace. They are trying to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities by striving to achieve sustainable development and respect for human rights, reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting freedom of expression, improving the status of women and preserving cultural diversity and the environment.

Peace cannot be guaranteed exclusively by political, economic, or military agreements. In the final analysis, it depends upon the unanimous, sincere, and sustained engagement of peoples. Each one of us, no matter what our age, sex, social position, religious affiliation or cultural origin is called upon to create a peaceful world.

The foundation of peace in this new millennium can only be laid on the mutual knowledge, understanding and respect between cultures and individuals. By spreading the knowledge of art; and thus fostering cultural diversity; Art Beyond Borders is making a substantial contribution to this aim. I am confident that this remarkable exhibition will successfully continue to help promoting the culture of peace throughout the world.

Peace can only be achieved through our behavior, attitudes, and everyday acts. The culture of peace is the universal culture that is shared by all peoples. It is essential to our common humanity.

Together, let us construct this world of peace, beginning by respecting Manifesto 2000; whereby each of us undertakes to practice the universal principles of a culture of peace, non-violence, and harmony in our family, our community and our place of work.

Together, let us cultivate peace. Let us each ask ourselves, "What can we do for peace today?”