30 November 2004

Bonn, Germany: Peter Claesson, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme Officer in Honduras, is one of five recipients of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Administrator’s Award for Innovation and Commitment.

This new award recognizes UNDP global staff for their outstanding level of commitment to development. Winners were today announced at UNDP’s annual Global Staff Forum at its headquarters in New York. Claesson was among 95 nominees.

Creative development
A native of Gothenburg, Sweden, Claesson received the award for his “Art For All” project in Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ capital city. In mid-July 2004, he rallied 56 artists from Honduras and around the world to volunteer their time and talent to visualize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through murals and sculptures.

The artists, coming from such countries as Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Italy, Sweden and the United States, spent 15 days out on the city’s streets sharing their talent and exchanging ideas with local children, other artists and the public at large. During the two-weeks it took to complete the project, some 500 people helped create 45 pieces of artwork throughout the city.

For Claesson, the driving force behind the event was two-fold: to educate and bring joy to people largely excluded from arts and culture. He says when the Government of Honduras closed its Ministry of Culture he realized he had to help fill the void. “It occurred to me to do something to show the value of culture in bringing people the message of human development and the MDGs,” he says. “Hondurans often talk about the Goals, but no one really understands what they are about. Now everyone has access to art and education. They can visualize each Goal.”

In Honduras, Claesson’s tireless efforts attracted much acclaim. In addition to UNDP’s award, he received a national award by the Foundation for the Museum of the Honduran Man and the city itself has been named the Ibero American Culture City for 2005.

He says the greatest recognition came in the form of support from the community. Many private companies and local businesses donated meals, hotel rooms and materials to support the artists in their endeavours. “The good thing about [Art For All] is that the volunteer sector in Honduras is now stimulated from this event. It’s not big here [volunteerism], but it has the potential, especially in the area of culture,” he says.

A welcomed by-product of the project has been an increase in community spirit. Claesson says people living in the neighbourhoods home to the artwork have planted trees and work hard to keep the ‘living exhibitions’ neat and tidy. He says the fact that many people visit the art sites, including students on school trips and tourists, increases the resident’s sense of pride.

Through “Art For All”, Claesson says many other people are now motivated to do similar events. One of the Honduran artists who participated in “Art For All” is organizing a similar project for next July in San Pedro Sula, a city in the northwest of the country.

Dedication to development
Claesson is no stranger to making development initiatives not only creative and fun but also highly beneficial to those involved. Before joining UNV Honduras in July 2003, he worked as a UN Volunteer with UNDP Ecuador where, in addition to his regular duties assisting the UNDP Resident Representative, he organized for jungle excursions with thousands of underprivileged youth. He says the outings—often lasting several days— provided the teenagers with a sense of independence and boosted their self-esteem. In his native Sweden, he helped restore a boat that later became a sailing adventure for many disadvantaged and disabled children.

The 42-year-old father of two is now working on several new projects; one in particular he hopes will be up and running in early January. With the support of a telecommunications company in Honduras, he is establishing a help line that will provide advice and support to many people dealing with emotional problems. “Honduras is going through a very bad economic period, so a lot of people are having a hard time financially. Providing them with a free number to call for support will hopefully help them improve their situation,” he says.

When asked where he gets the energy to develop new projects, he says it comes naturally. “I’m a highly energetic person. I see opportunities wherever I go. My wife, family and friends are a great source of energy and support.”

Claesson says the award is not just about the recognition of his work, but that of other UN Volunteers making a difference through innovative development projects.

“There are a lot of us [UN Volunteers] out there that are doing exciting stuff. UNV provides us with the opportunity to do these things. To do a little more than expected.”