(L-R): Philippe Bourseiller, photographer; John Psaila, Deloitte CEO; Luc Brucher, Deloitte; Luc Weis, SCRIPT; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Wednesday 16 October 2024, the Deloitte Foundation and the Service de Coordination de la Recherche et de l'Innovation Pédagogiques et Technologiques of the Ministry of Education (SCRIPT) held a press conference and vernissage of the "Déserts du Monde" exhibition at Deloitte's DSquare premises in the Cloche d'Or.

Through the exhibition, renowned photographer Philippe Bourseiller presents a stunning visual journey through the world's deserts, capturing their unique beauty and fragile ecosystems. Known for his previous work documenting volcanoes, ice and forests across more than 30 countries, Bourseiller now focuses on the intricate landscapes of deserts, shedding light on pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, desertification and biodiversity.

The Déserts du Monde exhibition is a collaboration with Luxembourg's Ministry of Education and, after its premiere at Deloitte's DSquare, the collection will travel through public schools over the next two years. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking opportunity for all visitors, especially students, to delve into the intricacies of desert environments and gain awareness of global ecological issues.

John Psaila, Managing Partner & CEO at Deloitte Luxembourg, spoke in English and explained the company's engagement with environmental awareness-raising regarding a collection of very powerful images which are not only a work or art, but also tell a story. He talked about raising awareness of environmental challenges to the younger generation. He also talked about the foundation which he explained is in its early days, with one of its pillars being education. He thanked especially Philippe Bourseiller for his vision and engagement.

Luc Weis, Director of SCRIPT, talked about the pedagogic aspect of schools' curricula and referenced the impact that the pandemic had on SCRIPT's work. He explained that not only students, but also teachers, parents and others, will be interested in the exhibition which is supported by three languages: French, German and English. He also addressed supporting material which has been produced to help stimulate class work. He also addressed the importance of environmental protection, ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as sustainable development. He concluded by addressing both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of this initiative, to bring the exhibition to schools.

Philippe Bourseiller, photographer, explained that he has been taking photographs for 40 years and he specialises in the environment. He talked about the importance of protecting the planet as well as returning to nature in cities. In explaining why to show the exhibition is schools, he referenced Jacques Cousteau and how he communicated about nature to young people. He hopes that young people will reflect on the photographic images and be curious and ask questions. He also addressed the impact he hopes it will have on schools.

Luc Brucher, Partner and Public Sector & Healthcare Leader at Deloitte Luxembourg, talked about the importance of the two-year project travelling through the schools and the anticipated impact it will have.

The press conference was followed by a tour of the 27 of the 50 exhibition panels which had been erected in Deloitte's foyer, and then a 45-minute-long vernissage event with Claude Meisch, Luxembourg's Minister of Education, also present.

The evening concluded with a cocktail reception.