On July 16, 2025, the World Olymp’Arts Council (WOAC), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, held the 30th-anniversary celebration of its Founding Charter at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This historic event marked three decades of extraordinary achievements since the Charter’s establishment in 1995, highlighting the WOAC’s pivotal role in fostering the integration of global art and human civilisation. The celebration brought together representatives from over 65 countries and regions, further advancing the development of art worldwide and strengthening cross-cultural collaboration and the world-renowned Australia-based, Croatian-born artist Charles Billich was there representing Australia, and once again, taking the world stellar stage of brilliant individuals from various fields, including artists, cultural leaders, business elites, and government officials.

In Paris, at the UNESCO’s quarters on 16 July 2025 Charles Billich was awarded a Certificate of recognition for his historic commitment during which he “stood among the visionaries of our time to endorse the OlympArts Manifesto on16th July 2025/UNESCO HOUSE/Paris France”.  With this recognition and award of certificate Billich joined the global pursuit of universal beauty and peace through artistic excellence, in fulfilment of Dostoyevskys vision: “Beauty Will Save the World.” This award signifies the colossal honour bestowed upon Billich for his unwavering and brilliant commitment to the artistic, cultural, and educational fields, as well as his contribution to intercultural dialogue and the promotion of peace through art that have enriched our world for decades.

The awards segment of the 30^th Anniversary WOAC celebration in Paris was by all accounts the heart of the ceremony because it  honoured individuals and groups that have excelled in artistic creation and social contribution worldwide and whose works and dedication have become the benchmarks for other artists who will usher the future into an even broader participation of individuals in cultural activities, enriching the overall artistic atmosphere in society. “The universal beauty and power of art have the ability to propel the world forward, fostering a new hope for a reality in which harmony becomes humanity’s ultimate value,” said Marc Verriere, Founding Director of Olymp’Arts.

At the age of 90 and during the many years of his breath-taking creations of art Billich has acquired a plethora of honours. Billich’s work has captured the attention n of numerous high-profile collectors, political leaders, celebrities and personalities of prestigious note. His masterpieces hang in institutions such as the White House, the Vatican and the United Nations. His awards throughout the decades include: The ‘Lorenzo il Magnifico’ International Award (Florence Biennale) (2009), Commander of the Order of the Crown of Tonga (2008), Olympic Gold Order by the French Ministry of Sport for his contributions to the French Olympic Team during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Order of the Eagle Exemplar, USA (2000), Doctor Philosophy Honoris Causa-United States Sports Academy, 77th Honorary Shaolin Monk, Henan, China (2004), Centennial Olympic City, USA (1996), Honorary Citizen of Atlanta (1996),Milan & Spoleto Awards, Italy (1989), Victorian Heritage & Cultural Award (1988), Prints award/Gold Medal (1987/88), Spoleto Award, Italy (1987).

Congratulations Mr Charles Billich! Ina Vukic