Geneva, 16 June 2015, 6.00 pm

Excellencies,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am honored to be invited here today to address opening remarks for this unique exhibition. I would like to warmly thank the PM of the Holy See and the PMs if Italy, Brazil, Ecuador and Kenya for organizing this side event entitled “Generating beauty: New beginnings at the ends of the earth”.

The exhibition, focusing on the educational projects carried out by the non-profit AVSI Foundation in Ecuador, Kenya and Brazil, highlights the centrality of education in human development, as underlined by our Special Rapporteur on the right to education in his report. Quality education is also essential for the exercise of other rights and this interdependence is crucial for enhancing a culture of peace and moving away from racist, aggressive, discriminatory and violent attitudes. As highlighted in many of our Council’s resolutions (res. 8/4), building peaceful societies is an inconceivable task without a comprehensive, serious commitment to education, both formal and non-formal.

It is our task, as the Human Rights Council to recognize the importance of education to both peace and human rights and intensify efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the right to education for all.

I thank you all for your attention.