Representatives of 51 countries and 15 international organizations gathered at the United Nations Office in Geneva to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, showcasing solidarity and unity.
The festive event was a joint effort between the UN Office in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of China to Geneva, and the Permanent Mission of China to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the UN Office in Geneva, expressed her excitement at the festive atmosphere, wishing everyone a Happy Spring Festival against the backdrop of the Year of the Dragon design at the Palais des Nations.
She reflected on the positive symbolism of the Year of the Dragon, representing hope and prosperity while Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Daren Tang added that the dragon symbolizes courage, foresightedness, mobility, energy and unity.
Tang noted that the Spring Festival is a time when families unite, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and family during this celebration.
Secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan viewed the festivity as a celebration of solidarity and fraternity, reflecting the desire for a better world for all.
The UN General Assembly recently listed the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings starting in 2024, a recognition of the cultural significance of the festival.
Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, emphasized the importance of sharing the beauty and joy of Chinese culture with the world.
China aims to actively promote respect for the diversity of world civilizations and encourage exchanges and mutual learning among different cultures, Chen said.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, called for global peace and emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation during her attendance at the event in formal attire.
Nicole Ameline, a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, emphasized the significance of peace and sustainable development and highlighted the increasing partnership between China and France.
Bilal Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN office in Geneva, shared the Chinese character “Fu,” meaning “good luck,” and praised the collaboration between Pakistan and China.
Maira Mariela Macdonal Alvarez, permanent representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the UN office in Geneva, emphasized the close cooperation and dialogue between Bolivia and China.
“This celebration here at the Palais des Nations brings us a bit closer to the Chinese culture,” said Alvarez.
