On May 5th, 2023, the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations will donate a 125-year-old olive tree to the United Nations International School (UNIS) as a symbol of peace. The tree was previously displayed at the Growing Peace Exhibit, which showcased the centennial of aeronautics at the UN. The Italian Ambassador, Gianluca Greco, will attend the donation ceremony, alongside other high-ranking officials, including Maj. General Fabrizio Parrulli and Col. Rosario D’Auria.
The goal of this gesture is to inspire UNIS students to become the future bearers of peace. The tree will be planted at the school entrance next to a statue that represents childhood, symbolizing a profound message: nourishing future generations with peace. A plaque recognizing Italy as the tree’s donor will be displayed during the ceremony. Also present at the ceremony will be Paco Barba Moràn, the Director of the Modern Languages Department at UNIS, and Italian language teachers Francesca Di Matteo, Filomena Veltri, and Luca Urbani.
Francesca Di Matteo, Celi Examiner – Certified Italian teacher and Head of Communications SC, expressed her appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the students’ personal and professional development, stating that “the students work throughout the year to achieve the objectives of the United Nations’ Agenda 2030. Receiving from Italy the symbol of peace par excellence, an olive tree, gives these students hope: the hope of truly becoming the bearers of peace in the world. It is worth noting that some of these students are eager to pursue careers in diplomacy and make a positive impact on the future of our world.”
The Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations hopes that this donation will inspire future generations to pursue a peaceful world, and they are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause.
