Bayer-UNEP Collaboration on Display
Warsaw, September 2009. An exhibition featuring works from
the international painting competition organized by Bayer and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) was recently opened at the Zachęta National Art Gallery of Warsaw. The vernissage
also served as the launch of the 19th edition of the competition, titled Biodiversity, in Poland.
In attendance were ambassadors from the winners’ home countries, journalists and artists, who too
part in a debate on the challenge of climate protection following the opening ceremony.
Vernissage of Exhibition Featuring Works from Children’s Painting Competition
In his welcoming address, Burghardt Bruhn, Bayer Senior Representative in Central Eastern Europe
and Managing Director of Polish Bayer Sp. z o.o., highlighted the event’s significance: “We have a
unique opportunity to meet and discuss how the crisis affects the planned economic changes in terms
of climate protection and what role innovative technologies in addressing this challenge.” Michael
Gerdts, the German Ambassador to Poland, stressed his country’s commitment to the efforts.
The event also hosted art workshops for children from Warsaw schools. They were led by Tomasz
Zubilewicz, a well-known Polish weather broadcaster, and gave children the chance to prepare their
work which will represent Poland in the next competition. The Bayer exhibition was organized under
the patronage of the Warsaw City Mayor, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, the Minister
of Culture and National Heritage, the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development in Poland.