Opening ceremony of « Tree of Peace » in Baku
First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Director General of UNESCO, Mrs Irina Bokova attended the opening ceremony of the ‘Tree of Peace’, by the UNESCO Artist for Peace Hedva Ser. The event was held in Baku on the sidelines of the third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue on May 17.
Mrs Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Hedva Ser, UNESCO Artist for Peace.
The « Tree of Peace » is UNESCO’s emblem, the symbol of tolerance and peace. Placed in public places, this monument invites people to think about peace. The monument is recognized as a symbol of mutual understanding between nations, and advocates for solution of conflicts and dissemination of peace around the world. “Azerbaijan, which is located at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures, has always been a space where representatives of different religions, ethnic groups and cultures lived together in peace, harmony and tolerance,” Mrs. Aliyeva said addressing the ceremony.
She went on to add that these relations are based on mutual respect and understanding. “For centuries, a multi-ethnic society has strived here, and today we feel a sense of pride because we have such a valuable tradition of tolerance.”
Director General of UNESCO spoke of the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and read a string of poetry of Mahsati Ganjavi. She noted that the « Tree of Peace » also reflects the spirit of the works of Mahsati Ganjavi. Saying that such monuments are open in many countries, Bokova stressed that such events are a moment of peace, dialogue and reconciliation.
Hedva Ser stressed that creating a better world has always been the most important basis in her works and creativity. “That was the main idea in the creation of the monument the « Tree of Peace ». The creation of the « Tree of Peace » was a very important impetus to promote many humanistic values, build bridges between religions and peoples.”
The author of the monument discussed the idea of her work. She noted that the ‘Tree of Peace’ represents a call for peoples for peace. Stressing that Azerbaijan has a rich culture, Ser highlighted the atmosphere of tolerance in this country.
Made of bronze, the monument has been erected in the New Boulevard, near State Flag Square.
Mr Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, United Nations Representative for the Alliance of Civilization, Mrs Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, the president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
and Hedva Ser, UNESCO Artist for Peace.
Azerbaïdjan Télévision video
