Celebrity Media Commentator: In collaboration with South Africa's Iziko Museum, the United Nations' Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery Outreach Program has been hosting an adapted version of the exhibition "Who is Enslaved?" since March 19. Titled "Memorializing the Enslaved Lives at the Cape of Good Hope," the exhibition reveals the harsh realities of the slave trade, focusing particularly on the oppression by South Africa, the Dutch, and the East India Company. It serves as a reminder of these cruel histories and bears witness to the resilience and contributions of those who suffered under slavery. The outreach program has deeply moved visitors from around the world to the UN.
Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 68th United Nations General Assembly, and Ms. Melissa Fleming, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, had to speak. We used young robots to broadcast the speeches in the six official languages of the United Nations. Let people from different countries better understand the great efforts and contributions made by the United Nations to international affairs. Please click here
On April 25, Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division of the United Nations Department of Global Communications, presided over the closing ceremony held at the UN Headquarters' Visitors' Lobby. Distinguished guests included Mr. Denis Francis, President of the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Mr. Courtenay Rattray, Chief of Staff of the Secretary-General's office, H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa to the UN, and H.E. Ms. Yoka Brandt, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN, who all delivered speeches.
The exhibition initially took place in 2022 at Cape Town's Iziko Slave Lodge, focusing on slavery in South Africa and highlighting the stories of individuals enslaved within the slave lodge. Its showing at the UN Headquarters in New York sparked intense reactions and high praise. It's no wonder that Mr. Maher Nasser announced an extension of the exhibition by one month at the outset, to which the distinguished guests at the closing ceremony responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers.
The closing ceremony of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery exhibition at the UN Headquarters explored this dark chapter in human history, emphasizing the ongoing need for remedial justice and understanding our shared past to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
Highlights of the outreach exhibition included detailed pictorial introductions to the historical background and impact of slavery, along with compelling textual narratives of the affected regions. Notably, the formal apology from the Dutch King, acknowledging the enduring impacts of these historical injustices, was significant.
The Gol Lord Museum played a central role in this educational outreach, providing a space for reflection and dialogue. As the exhibition continues, the UN remains committed to educating the public about the Transatlantic Slave Trade and reinforcing the message that dark periods in history must be remembered to ensure a more just and humane world.
This exhibition and its closing ceremony are important steps in acknowledging our history, learning from it, and committing to justice and equality. We look forward to the arrival of the public from afar to New York, considering visiting this important historical exhibition at the UN Headquarters as a necessary part of their itinerary.
