Exhibition Launch: What in the World – 50 Countries, 50 Stories

Fingal Libraries are delighted to announce the launch of the “What in the World – 50 Countries, 50 Stories” exhibition in Blanchardstown Library. The exhibition was launched by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O'Brien on Monday 3rd February 2020.

This exhibition features a range of human rights stories from around the world by RTE documentary maker Peadar King. The exhibition is a project launched by Peadar, KMF Productions, Irish Aid and RTE and marks the fact that the “What in the World” series has now filmed in over 50 countries.

Some of the topics covered include: war, poverty, climate change, sexism and social justice issues. The exhibition will run for two weeks at Blanchardstown Library until Friday 14th February.

In his opening address, Mayor Eoghan O'Brien said “By speaking directly to people affected by violence, war, climate change and oppression and bringing their stories to us, Peadar King helps us realise that real people, who have the same hopes, desires and wishes as we have, are suffering greatly around the world. Uncomfortable as this may be at times, it is vital that the human beings behind these distressing stories we see on the news are given a voice.”

Peadar King then spoke about the exhibition and read from his latest book: War, Suffering and the Struggle for Human Rights. This was followed by an interview with Fingal Librarian Siobhan Walshe who asked Peadar about his motivations and experiences filming in some of the most troubled locations in the world.

He spoke about the importance of giving witness to seldom-heard stories of poor, dispossessed and disfavoured peoples across the globe.

Drawing on his experience of filming in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia and other sites of conflict, he talked about the need to go beyond the world of statistics, to hear the human cry of those who have suffered from the might of the industrial military conflict - war's insidious presence. These and other stories are central to King's work, stretching back over a twenty-year period.

Following the interview, Peadar took part in a questions and answers session with the audience. Those in attendance asked a range of interesting questions and found his answers to be informative and engaging.

Among the attendees were Transition Year students from Luttrellstown Community College and Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School as well as a group of home-schooled students.

Betty Boardman, County Librarian said: “We are very pleased to have the “What in the World” exhibition on display at Blanchardstown Library. Peadar spoke at a Climate Emergency conference organised by Fingal Libraries last year and opened the audience’s eyes to the plight of a changing world. This exhibition tells the human stories behind not only climate change, but also war and oppression and is deeply touching and informative. I would urge the public to come to Blanchardstown Library to view the exhibition before it finishes on 14th February.”