Dialogos
The Economic and Social Council Chamber, or ECOSOC, is a gift from Sweden and the curtain has been replaced three times, 1950 – 1952 (Marianne Richter), 1988 (an adaptation of Sven Markelius’ design “Pythagoras”), and 2013 (Ann Edholm). Sweden donated the many other furnishings as well. This newest curtain is designed by painter Ann Edholm, titled “Dialogos”. The orange and white wedges represent dialogue. These wedges or triangles ask for reflection of equal and mutual exchange as a foundation of democratic discussion or dialogue. It emphasizes dialogue as the foundation of democratic discourse.
The artist has said her work strives for aesthetic precision. She wants to instil courage, resilience and power in the delegates who discuss their strong decisions beyond self-interest and short-term perspectives. The design stresses that it is only through dialogue that we can master our fear of that which is different or other.
The ECOSOC council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It coordinates the economic and social areas of the organization.
The newly renovated ECOSOC chamber and curtain were inaugurated in 2013 with the following officials present: Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, President of ECOSOC, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN, Nestor Osorio, Minister for the International Development Cooperation of Sweden, Gunilla Carlsson, and Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson.