Toronto, 15 May 2026 — In its 30th anniversary year, and in observance of the United Nations International Day of Families, the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) hosted The Grace of a Knight, a two-day public art exhibition held on 15–16 May at Arta Gallery in Toronto's Distillery District.
The exhibition featured the works of Canadian artist Babak Yaghooti, portraying the lived experiences of women around the world in relation to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health. WASH, Health, and Gender represents one of the five strategic focus areas of UNU-INWEH’s research, capacity development, and policy support initiatives.
Each artwork at the exhibition was conceived around a different theme representing key dimensions of sustainable development, including gender equality, human health, water security, and environmental resilience. Drawing inspiration from these interconnected areas, the paintings reflect the core values and areas of work of UNU-INWEH, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive solutions, and evidence-based approaches to building a more equitable future.
UNU-INWEH was honoured to welcome numerous dignitaries to the inauguration of The Grace of a Knight, several of whom delivered remarks during the event.
The inauguration’s opening intervention was delivered by Ms. Alexandra Bugailiskis, Chair of UNU-INWEH's International Advisory Committee.
“This year marks an important milestone for the Institute: thirty years of exceptional research, capacity-building, and engagement with the community and governments,” said Ms. Bugailiskis, who congratulated the UNU-INWEH team for their passion, dedication, and drive under the leadership of Professor Kaveh Madani.
Ms. Bugailiskis’ sentiments were echoed in the subsequent intervention by The Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament for Willowdale, who highlighted UNU-INWEH's significance in the Canadian context.
“I cannot believe that it has been thirty years of [UNU-INWEH] being right here in Ontario, in Canada, doing terrific work. [The Institute] has allowed Canada to punch above its weight when it comes to water management, when it comes to the environment,” said the Honorable Mr. Ehsassi. He congratulated the Institute for its for leading global efforts in bridging the science-policy gap.
Ms. Stephanie Smyth, Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul’s underscored the importance of the event in the setting of today’s unequal world.
“What I love about this exhibition is how it transforms research and policy, things we often see as technical or distant, into something deeply human by bringing us back to real people and real stories,” she said. “Today’s recognition of the International Day of Families feels especially meaningful. Women so often carry the invisible labour of holding families and communities together, and yet too many women around the world are still doing that while facing enormous barriers simply to access clean water, healthcare, and safety."
Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada—as represented by the officials in attendance—for its steadfast support of the Institute over the past thirty years.
“We are deeply grateful for their support and partnership, and for their belief in the importance of advancing water security, environmental sustainability, and public health,” said Professor Madani.
He reflected on the unique responsibility of UNU-INWEH's diverse and international team to help drive positive change in an increasingly complex world. “Every day, we remind ourselves that there are countless talented people around the world whose voices are not always heard. We have been fortunate to be in positions where we can contribute, and with that comes a responsibility. We use the platform entrusted to us to amplify critical issues, share knowledge, and advocate for the actions the world needs to take to build a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Mr. Babak Yaghooti, artist of The Grace of a Knight, followed with a note of appreciation to the UNU-INWEH team.
“Working with UNU-INWEH has been a very meaningful experience for me. Through conversations with the team, I learned more deeply about the connection between water, health, dignity and the lived experiences of women and families around the globe,” said Mr. Yaghooti. These conversations inspired him to develop the series of paintings.
“The title The Grace of a Knight came from thinking about quiet strength—in many places, women carry the burden of water insecurity, while also partaking in caring for their families and communities. That is a kind of courage and resilience that deserves recognition,” continued Yaghooti. “Art can communicate things that statistics and reports cannot. It can help us feel the lived experiences behind global challenges [that UNU-INWEH grapples with every day].”
Professor Grace Oluwasanya, Senior Researcher: Water, Climate and Gender at UNU-INWEH, delivered the exhibition’s powerful closing remarks.
Professor Oluwasanya rhetorically asked whether the people most affected by Global Water Bankruptcy are the same people making decisions about it. “The answer, of course, is no. Look around this room tonight, and you will find something that a journal article cannot always offer. Look at the carriers of life.”
The successful event carried on throughout the evening and the following day, fostering an environment of meaningful exchange about gender, WASH, health, and the environment between the public, policymakers, high-level guests, and UNU-INWEH experts.
As UNU-INWEH marks 30 years of advancing science, policy, and capacity development in water, environment, and health, the exhibition celebrated its accomplishments in past decades while also serving as a reminder of the work that remains to be done with respect to gender equality worldwide.
