Speaking at the opening ceremony, Michael Moller, director-general of UNOG, said the exhibition opens the door to Chinese culture and philosophy through architecture, of which the central tenets have been harmony between man and nature, openness and inclusiveness, respect for legacy and innovation, and dynamic balance.
He added that these principles find deep resonance in Geneva, home of multilateralism and capital of peace, as well as in the core values of the United Nations such as multilateralism, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
Li Song, deputy permanent representative of China to the UNOG, said that in these exhibits, be it a palace, a temple, a pavilion, a garden, or a residential construction, there is a unifying philosophy behind them, and that’s harmony and unity, to which the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization owes its life.
“It’s also the essence of the silk road spirit, which is peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit,” Li added.
The exhibition, which will last until May 3, is part of the celebration of Chinese Language Day, selected by the United Nations on April 20, 2010.
