Opening of the National Geographic Photography Exhibit

Ambassador Robertson
March 1, Maribor

Good Evening.  I am very happy to be here tonight, with my wife Antoinette, to officially open the National Geographic Photography Exhibit.

First, please accept my thanks to the people who made this exhibit possible:

Mrs. Dragica MariniÄ? (Mladinski kulturni center)
Mr. Rok Kvaternik (Publisher – National Geographic Slovenija)
Dr. Miha KovaÄ? (Editor in Chief – National Geographic Slovenija)
Mr. Arne HodaliÄ? (Photography – National Geographic Slovenija)
Mr. Boris SoviÄ? (Mayor of Maribor)

The National Geographic Society was created almost 120 years ago in Washington, D.C., for "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge." 

In the years since then, this small group of explorers and academics has become one of the world’s most respected institutions; and its magazine, with the familiar yellow border, has set the standard for excellence in reporting.

Its in-depth coverage of cultures, nature, science, and in particular, its consistently incredible photography, has made the magazine an American institution, and for many in the United States, the window through which they see the outside world. 

Each month, the magazine brings the world’s cultures into our living rooms through insightful articles and striking photography; it is truly one of the United States’ cultural treasures. 

So I am happy to see that increasingly National Geographic is not just an important part of American life, but is becoming an institution worldwide.  In the past decade, the magazine has gone international, with 28 local language editions, a circulation of around 8.5 million, and 40 million regular readers. 

This exhibit brings some of National Geographic’s most memorable photographs to Slovenia.  I am sure that at least a few of the photos – in particular the 1985 photo of an Afghan refugee girl with unforgettable, piercing eyes – are familiar.  I hope that the exhibit also showcases some of the Society’s incredible photographs that you have not seen before.
 
Next month, National Geographic Slovenija will become the 29th local language edition and Slovenian families will have the ability to enjoy the magazine, for the first time, in Slovene.  And with National Geographic now in Slovenia, I hope to see more of Slovenia in the pages of National Geographic.

In my first year and a half here, I’ve been to the top of Triglav, sailed in the Adriatic, and hiked through the hills and mountains of Pohorje.  Given the beautiful sights and the incredible landscape throughout your country, I think it is fitting for National Geographic to be launching a Slovenian language edition, and I hope it is not long before we see more of Slovenia in the pages of National Geographic.

Thank you for allowing me to take part in tonight’s opening.