By Ayomide Otitoju
The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a bronze sculpture titled Shape of Space, a gift from the government of the Republic of Croatia, during a formal ceremony at WHO headquarters in Geneva.
Created by renowned Croatian artist Ivan Kožarić, the sculpture pays tribute to health and care workers worldwide and honours Dr. Andrija Štampar, a pioneer of modern public health and the first President of the World Health Assembly.
The initiative to install the sculpture was launched by Croatia in 2021, marking the International Year of Health and Care Workers — a global recognition of the vital role of frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welcoming the donation, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the sculpture as “a powerful symbol of solidarity and resilience.”
“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,” Dr. Tedros said.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković joined WHO officials, Member State representatives, and invited guests at the ceremony. In his remarks, Plenković highlighted the global influence of Dr. Štampar and the deeper symbolism of the sculpture.
“Open and flowing in form, Shape of Space embodies the compassion and protection that health workers provide,” the Prime Minister said. “It stands here as a beacon of international cooperation and shared values.”
Standing more than 2.5 metres tall at the main entrance of the WHO headquarters, the sculpture is set to become a lasting emblem of the contributions of health professionals and Croatia’s enduring commitment to global public health.
