UN70 Calligraphy Exhibition

At the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York at the Secretariat Building the following poem by Sa’adi is displayed:

Human beings are members of a whole,

In creation of one essence and soul.

If one member is afflicted with pain,

Other members uneasy will remain.

If you’ve no sympathy for human pain,

The name of human you cannot retain!

Persian poetry is infused with messages of peace, friendship and humanity which are fundamental principles that the UN has been promoting in the past 70 years, AVA Diplomatic reports.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the UN as well as the 70thanniversary of Iran’s membership to the UN.

To commemorate Persian Poem and Literature Day, the UN in collaboration with Henna Art Gallery and Artist Amirali Izadi organized a calligraphy exhibition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the UN70 Calligraphy Exhibition amongst diplomats, friends of the UN and the media, the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran, Mr. Gary Lewis said: “This event is special for many reasons.  Firstly, as you may know, we – in the United Nations – are celebrating our 70th anniversary this year.  This event is the kick-start of our awareness raising campaign.”

Mr. Lewis added: “For 70 years, the United Nations – an organization that I have been privileged to serve for almost 30 years – has been promoting: Peace, Human Rights, Justice and Development.  At times we have succeeded.  At times – quite frankly – we have failed.  But, we have not stopped believing our cause and we continue to learn and grow as an organization.”

Mr. Lewis then recited verses of Persian poetry – which he enjoys learning and reading about and congratulated Iranians on their rich culture.

UN70 Calligraphy Exhibition at Henna Art Gallery

Mr. Geave Sharif, Manager of Henna Art Gallery also spoke at the event stating: “I wish to welcome you to Henna Art Gallery – our friendly space – where we exhibit art and we make very good connections and very good friends.”

He added: “We – at Henna Art Gallery – believe that art, peace and humanity are interconnected, and with the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and also the 70th anniversary of Iran’s membership to the United Nations, I think that it was a very good idea to exhibit these works and make the connection between peace and humanity through art.”

Speaking to the attendees, artist Amirali Izadi said: “Persian poets and philosophers such as Sa’adi, Hafez and Rumi have described their vision of peace, love and humanity through their passionate words.  Such reflections are used today as motto by the United Nations.”

Mr. Izadi continued: “I have tried to combine these inspirations in this collection to create a new written versions of these immortal poems.”

Mr. Izadi then donated one of his pieces entitled peace to the UN. The exhibition is open to public until Friday, 25 September at Henna Art Gallery.  A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the UN humanitarian activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.