Remarks by Mr. Pierre Le Loarer, Head of the UN Cultural Committee

Les quilts ont été réalisés suite au défi lancé par la Mission permanente des États-Unis de faire réaliser des quilts sur le thème « Créer un monde plus sain pour nos enfants » pour aider le Fonds mondial et faire connaître les enjeux et les efforts menés dans la lutte contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme. Comme le rappelle l’exposition, l’art du quilt est une véritable tradition culturelle amenée aux États-Unis par des immigrants du monde entier. Le résultat est remarquable : à la beauté et à la créativité de ces quilts, il faut ajouter la force des symboles qu’ils représentent.
Remarks by Mr. Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General, United Nations Office Geneva

These quilts are a most powerful reminder that behind the staggering figures lies the suffering of individual girls and boys – children who are robbed of their childhood, the hope of a future and their rightful place in our human family. And we, in turn, are deprived of their unique contributions to our common good. We owe it to each one of them and to ourselves to make their health our priority. It is the only way to fulfill our obligations to succeeding generations. Let the creativity, commitment and compassion that we see illustrated here inspire us.

The Global Fund is one of our most important partners in Geneva. Combating AIDS, TB and Malaria is a central tenet of U.S. foreign policy; the Obama Administration’s Global Health Initiative has made these diseases a priority, focusing on maternal and child health as a key part of an integrated strategy to break the destructive nature of these diseases in society.

This is a wonderful exhibition because it really symbolizes the transition we have made in recent years from despair in the face of disease to the extraordinary hope that has been brought to millions of people around the world. They do not represent young lives lost, but lives being saved. And they symbolize the humanity, care and generosity of the American people in their bold commitment to addressing the major diseases around the world.
The Quilt Challenge is Now on Facebook
The Quilt Challenge is now on Facebook. Even if you are not a quilter, you can help us to spread the word about this project by becoming a fan of our page! Quilt Challenge on Facebook