Launch of the SDG Butterfly Mural at het Anton de Kom University Suriname complex

Through a combination of different illustrations, which are encompassed in the silhouette of butterfly wings, the mural depicts each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This artwork was created by local artist Fabian de Ramdanie, who painted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a way that it is recognizable to the people of Suriname.

The SDGs are an urgent call to action to all countries for global cooperation. They recognize that eradicating poverty and other hardships must go hand in hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and boost economic growth - all while addressing climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The SDG Butterfly Mural at the AdeKUS is part of the "SDG Butterfly Effect Campaign" announced by UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed in September 2019.  The purpose of this mural is to bring the SDGs to life through art and inspire the public to take action. Visitors to the SDG Butterfly Mural can also show their support for the SDGs by sharing photos and videos via social media. By doing so, they will inspire others and through a kind of Butterfly Effect spread the inspiration of the SDGs and thus contribute to the pursuit of sustainability.

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) for Suriname, Marina Walter made the official opening of the SDG Butterfly Mural during her visit to Suriname, together with the Minister of BIBIS, Albert Ramdin, and the Chairman of the Board of the AdeKUS. RC Marina Walter who is the representative of the UN Secretary General for Suriname was very pleased with this cooperation.

The cooperation with the AdeKUS has already borne fruit with the students of the Treaty Law, LL.B course of the Faculty of Legal Sciences. As a final assignment for this course, these students made a video presentation on treaties that affect the achievement of the SDGs in Suriname and to which Suriname has committed itself. By incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals into the University's curriculum in this way, we increase the chances of successfully achieving the SDGs. 

The influence of art in raising awareness of the SDGs among the Surinamese people will not remain at the AdeKUS complex. The goal of the UN in Suriname is to inspire people to work and strive for sustainability by placing murals in the different districts, all over the country, because only through collaboration will we be able to implement the SDG's and ensure that no one is left behind.