On the 78th commemoration of the United Nations, the UN’s Serbian chapter marked the occasion with a grand unveiling at the UN House in Belgrade: a mural celebrating Serbia’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems.
Crafted by the artistic duo, Marija and Stefan Šoln, the mural is a visual ode to Serbia’s diverse wildlife, showcasing species like the Balkan lynx, brown bear, apollo butterfly, and eastern imperial eagle, among others. The artwork also intricately weaves in various plant species, underscoring the vastness of Serbia’s ecological diversity.
Addressing the gathering, UN Resident Coordinator Françoise Jacob underscored the pivotal role of biodiversity in the context of Serbia’s environmental objectives and the broader call for transformative measures. “Biodiversity is the lifeblood of our planet. Protecting Serbia’s ecosystems is a collective duty. Through this mural, we aim to amplify the splendor of Serbia’s biodiversity, galvanizing societal awareness and championing nature-centric solutions,” she remarked. Highlighting the mural’s deeper message, she added, “Many of the depicted animals are on the brink of extinction, as are pristine night skies, hence their portrayal. It’s our shared duty to safeguard this natural treasure and the ecosystems that nurture it.”
Mari Yamashita, the UN’s chief representative in Belgrade, delved into the mural’s symbolic importance and the essence of UN Day. “Nature’s conservation is foundational for cultivating harmonious societies,” she stated, reaffirming the UN’s dedication to peace initiatives. “Our focus is on proactive measures, fostering dialogue, and bridging divides. The way forward is through cooperation and dialogue.” She further expressed gratitude to Serbia for its unwavering support of multilateralism, both in active participation and contributions to UN peace missions.
Ivica Dačić, Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, outlined Serbia’s consistent priorities within the UN framework, emphasizing territorial integrity, international peace, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “At the recent SDG Summit in New York, we delineated our forthcoming action areas, spanning sectors from agriculture to education, climate action, and more. Serbia deems environmental conservation and scientific advancement as pivotal for its progress,” he noted. Dačić further affirmed Serbia’s commitment to the UN’s collective objectives, emphasizing the importance of stability and multilateral collaboration for global peace and prosperity.
The UN Day in Serbia is more than a ceremonial observance; it’s a confluence of dialogues and partnerships centred on sustainability and environmental stewardship. In a world grappling with uncertainties, the emphasis is on peace and unity. As global leaders gear up for the forthcoming Summit of the Future, the unveiled mural stands as a poignant reminder of our shared duty to the environment and the pursuit of global harmony.
