UNA-NYC Donates to UN Women for Peace to End Violence Against Women
Last October, the United Nations Association of New York facilitated the sale of the "Dove of Peace" vases at our 2012 UN Day Gala Dinner. The pieces were custom-designed by world-renowned potter, Miranda Thomas.
Miranda has supported UNA-NYC for many years by creating limited edition pieces that are auctioned at our annual gala dinner each year. On this occasion, the proceeds from the sale of these pieces were donated to the UN Women for Peace, in support of their campaign to End Violence Against Women. The entire limited edition, with one featured at each table, was completely sold out at the silent auction.
This porcelain envelope vase, representing the dove of peace, was hand painted in 24K Dresden Gold by the international artist and potter Miranda Thomas. Each one is unique, and no two are alike.
Praised for her traditional craftsmanship and decoration, Miranda Thomas' pieces have been commissioned and given to some of the most influential private collections in the world including President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Pope John Paul II, United Nations Secretary-Generals Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, and many other international leaders and dignitaries.
"The dove on this vase is determined and committed, passionately believing in its mission of hope. Its flight is courageous — it struggles on, holding its course through the swirling scroll of life. It represents each of us, facing the many challenges ahead. The dove is emblematic of all our hard work towards peace," said Miranda Thomas in a statement about this piece.
UN Women for Peace was founded in 2008, under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The organization aims at promoting, strengthening and advancing the goals of academic and charitable organizations, which mission is to provide opportunities for women to partake in the global peace building process through social, cultural, educational and women empowerment programs.
The Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women is a leading global donor in the struggle to end violence against women and girls. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1996 and is administered by UN Women. To date, the UN Trust Fund has delivered more than USD 86 million to 351 initiatives in 128 countries and territories.
We are pleased to support the UN Women for Peace in their effort to addressing such violence in all its forms, by supporting effective initiatives that demonstrate that violence against women and girls can be systematically addressed, reduced and, with persistence, eliminated.