By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, Switzerland – May 20, 2025 — In a moving ceremony at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, the government of the Republic of Croatia officially donated a striking bronze sculpture titled Shape of Space, commemorating health and care workers worldwide and honouring one of public health’s founding figures, Dr. Andrija Štampar.
Created by renowned Croatian artist Ivan Kožarić, the 2.5-metre-tall sculpture now stands at the main entrance of WHO, symbolizing international solidarity and the enduring values of compassion and service in global health.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the donation as a meaningful tribute.
“This donation reflects our shared commitment to honouring the courage and dedication of health workers, and to carrying forward the vision of Dr Štampar, who believed that health is a fundamental human right,” he said during the unveiling.
The initiative to install the sculpture began in 2021 during the International Year of Health and Care Workers, a year marked by global recognition of frontline workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended the ceremony alongside WHO leadership, Member State representatives, and invited dignitaries. He spoke of Dr. Štampar’s legacy as the first President of the World Health Assembly and a pioneer in modern public health.
“Open and flowing in form, Shape of Space embodies the compassion and protection that health workers provide,” said Prime Minister Plenković. “It stands here as a beacon of international cooperation and shared values.”
Dr. Štampar, a Croatian physician and visionary, played a key role in shaping public health as a discipline grounded in equity and social responsibility. His influence still resonates in WHO’s principles today.
The sculpture’s installation is both a tribute to past achievements and a reminder of the ongoing global commitment to health for all.
“As people pass by this beautiful work of art, I hope they reflect on the sacrifices made by health workers everywhere,” Dr. Tedros said. “And I hope it inspires the next generation of leaders to keep building a healthier, more equitable world.”
With this symbolic gesture, Croatia reaffirms its dedication to international health cooperation and the values at the heart of WHO’s mission.