Is this bear looking at me? This isn’t just any bear. This is the Buddy Bear Statue. It stands here as a symbol of peace and international understanding.
The Buddy Bear project began in Berlin in 2002. It was created to promote living together peacefully. Artists from countries recognized by the United Nations were invited to design these two-meter-tall sculptures.
Each Buddy Bear represents a different country. The artists incorporate their country’s culture, history and traditions into the design. The Buddy Bear becomes a reflection of the world’s cultural diversity.
Look closely at this Buddy Bear Statue. It is special. Marina Muzalevski, an artist born in Saint Petersburg, designed it. She drew inspiration from her childhood memories of Russia.
See the images from nature. Notice the traditional Russian wooden dolls. These are incorporated using the Khokhloma lacquer painting technique. Muzalevski’s great-grandfather was an originator of this style.
The Buddy Bears started their world tour in 2004. They have traveled to over 30 cities on five continents. They stand side by side, hand in hand, promoting tolerance. The organizers call it “the Art of Tolerance”.
The Buddy Bears exhibitions support children’s aid organizations. Auctions and other activities have raised over 2.5 million euros for UNICEF and local charities. The Buddy Bear Help association was founded to provide quick and targeted help to children.
The Buddy Bears have been displayed at many important events. In Seoul 2005, North and South Korea were represented peacefully side by side for the first time. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, praised the Buddy Bears. He said they reveal the creativity of artists from different countries and promote harmony.
The German Foreign Office plans to install Buddy Bears in front of all German embassies. These Buddy Bears promote a tolerant, free and democratic Germany. The design is entrusted to artists from the host country.
These bears have also come in smaller sizes. These mini Buddy Bears are displayed in galleries around the world.
So take a moment to appreciate this Buddy Bear Statue. It represents Russia. It represents Saint Petersburg. It represents a world united in peace and understanding.