Madrid: The opening ceremony of the MAMA 'Mother Nature' international art exhibition was held at the PONS Foundation in Madrid. The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Spain, representatives of the art community, and members of the local community.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the exhibition, initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, aims to bring together artists from various countries and cultures. The exhibition highlights the connection between humanity and nature and emphasizes the importance of environmental protection. The project was first presented in 2024 at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Since then, the exhibition has gained an international dimension, being displayed in cities such as Manama, Rome, London, Tbilisi, Berlin, Tirana, Geneva, and Riga.

This time, the exhibition is being presented in Madrid through a joint initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Spain. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Spain Ramiz Hasanov described the MAMA 'Mother Nature' project as an international artistic initiative exploring the connection between art and humanity. He noted that the project draws attention to contemporary environmental challenges. He expressed gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for bringing the exhibition to Madrid and expressed hope that it would generate greater interest in art and foster a stronger sense of responsibility for the environment.

Luis Fonseca S¡nchez, Director General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Pacific at Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, stated that Spain's cultural strength creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation with partners such as Azerbaijan. He also noted that Spain is among the European countries with the largest areas of protected natural land, demonstrating the development of a society that understands the importance of protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

In her speech, Leyla Aliyeva emphasized the significance of the MAMA 'Mother Nature' international project. She recalled that the exhibition was first presented in Baku as part of COP29 and has since been displayed in various countries around the world, carrying an important message about nature, the environment, and our shared future. Leyla Aliyeva stated, "Nature is our mother. It gives us land, water, and air. However, despite all this, we humans continue to harm these gifts that nature bestows. This exhibition is another step toward a better future."

The exhibition will be open to visitors from September 9 to 18 and features works by renowned contemporary artists from Azerbaijan, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Ukraine, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other countries.