Today I had lunch in Geneva with two amazing women, both of whom have for decades done much work for peace. Each worked with Secretary General Kofi Annan when he was presiding at the United Nations. Marie Huese is now Vice President of the Freedom Cartoonists, a foundation started by Kofi Annan to help shine light on the power of cartoons, and to provide legal and financial assistance to cartoonists whose lives are in danger around the world. Corinne Momal-Vanian is Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation, an organization founded by Mr. Annan in 2007 to build on Kofi Annan’s legacy for peace by advancing democracy, youth leadership and international cooperation. Freedom Cartoonists emerged as a foundation from Cartooning for Peace, an organization I have been a part of since 2006— also founded by Kofi Annan and Le Monde Cartoonist Jean Plantu. I was extremely fortunate to meet Kofi Annan several times in Geneva before he passed away.
When Annan started Cartooning for Peace in 2006, it was just after the Danish Cartoon Controversy; he was well aware how cartoons have power for good as well as for division; so he brought a group of us together that fall to speak at the UN about our work and its importance for gobal dialogue. I felt incredibly fortunate to be included among the twelve invited, and it has transformed and informed my work ever since.
This is the foundation’s mission: “We work to build a fairer and more peaceful world, where no one is left behind, democratic principles and the rule of law are upheld, and divides are bridged through dialogue and international cooperation.”
Marie, Corinne and I discussed the global challanges in light of not only the Trump presidency, but rising right wing extremist forces around the world. Corrine’s work centers on supporting young leaders in Africa and elsewhere, the foundation seeks to mentor individuals in the Kofi Annan approach to peace through dialogue, listening and action. Kofi Annan was a man always open to innovative ways of connecting with others and fostering understanding.
Sometimes it seems that drawing cartoons has no effect in such a massive world that is divided and so violent. But my belief is that every small effort counts. Every interaction, be it face-to-face or through a drawing, is important. I hadn’t intended to write about this today, but being in Geneva and talking with Marie and Corinne renewed and inspired me. Connecting with you is a part of that: we need to support one another as we work to make this world better. Person by person.
Walking back from lunch, I saw this statue in a park by Lake Geneva. I love it'; I also love how the grass is left to grow naturally, they don’t mow it. It’s something I noticed when I first came to this city years ago.
Thanks for being here, see you tomorrow! Hope all is well with you.
This is so wonderful for you Liza! I hope it restores your sense of self worth, as your work is so vitally important today. Lovely story about peace and unity in our divided world. Thanks for sharing this experience with us.
Wow I didn’t know about any of this, thank you for sharing, what amazing people and amazing organizations. Super cool you got to meet him, too. Also: happy birthday! 🎂 ✌️🕊️