Dear National Centers, dear International Councillors and dear members UNIMA,

Only four months have passed since the beginning of our mandate, and it’s still too early to draw a balance. Certainly, if we were to start from the atmosphere at the UNIMA Happy Apéro at the FMTM in Charleville Mézières, we could be satisfied!. In the beautiful courtyard of the Maison des Ailleurs, despite the unfavorable weather, countless people met every day and shared thoughts and ideas with the enthusiasm of those who know they are experiencing a new phase in the great adventure that is UNIMA.

At the same time, in that joyful atmosphere, ever since the first meeting dedicated to the World Day of Peace, a profound awareness of the tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the suffering, destruction, and dehumanization it brings has always been evident. Therefore, rather than telling you about the many ongoing projects, we want to use this small space to invite you to support the various solidarity initiatives we will continue to propose in the coming months. Your support will help both the three puppeteers from Gaza and their families, whom we are trying, thanks to the immense effort of THEMAA, to bring to France, and the many artists in danger every day in many parts of the world.

Our entire global community—a precious treasure in a present increasingly marked by conflicts that aim to divide rather than unite—must mobilize. The values that inspire UNIMA—art, peace, solidarity, justice, and respect for the dignity of all people—must be reaffirmed and defended today above all else.

Louise Lapointe, President

Fabrizio Montecchi, General secretary