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Take a closer look at some of the events and stories taking place across the world to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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“Enlightened Universe” to celebrate 70 years UDHR

25 October 2018

“Enlightened Universe” an art installation created by Spanish artist Cristobal Gabarron. is composed of a large silver sphere surrounded by 70 figures joined hand-in-hand symbolizing global solidarity and responsibility for our planet.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Barbara Pesce-Monteiro, UN Director in Brussels, Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative / Vice-President of the European Commission and the artist Cristobal Gabarrón to mark United Nations Day and the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For Barbara Pesce-Monteiro, the “Enlightened Universe” also represents the partnership between the EU and UN and their collective efforts to create a world where no one is left behind. "The 70 figures surrounding the globe, hand in hand, represent the 7.5 billion humans living on Earth today. Their hands joined in solidarity, demonstrate the importance of creating a more inclusive world. A world in which we have a shared responsibility to protect our planet", she stressed.

The installation was first unveiled in 2015, in Central Park in New York to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The installation then travelled to Geneva, Switzerland and now is on display at the Rond-Point Schuman in the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels, and is visible from hundreds of offices of EU staff.

Federica Mogherini delivered a speech focusing on cooperation: “The only way to prevent conflict, crisis and human suffering is to cooperate, to work not only for peace and security but for human rights and human development. This is the core DNA of both, UN and EU (…) Looking at the world you see yourself. This is a very powerful appeal to individual responsibility. These triangles of mirrors reflect our own faces. It depends on us, on the approach we take if the common global picture is good or not”.

Cristobal Gabarron, the artist well known for his commitment to the United Nations, presented Mogherini with a series of drawings by children inspired by the work of the United Nations. Gabarron said that transmitting the values of the UN to children was essential.


  • I will respect your rights regardless of who you are. I will uphold your rights even when I disagree with you
  • When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone's rights are undermined, so I will stand up
  • I will raise my voice. I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.

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