Chinese-born humanitarian, art curator receives France's Legion of Honor

NEW YORK, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Noelle Xie, a Chinese-born humanitarian and art curator, on Friday was conferred the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for her exemplary contribution to promoting the French language and culture worldwide.

Xie received the French national order from President Emmanuel Macron in December 2018. At the ceremony Friday evening, the insignia was formally pinned to the left side of Xie's chest amid rounds of applause by French Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Francois Delattre.

After her decoration, Xie delivered her acceptance speech both in French and English, saying she was receiving "this high distinction and the prestigious award with tremendous honor and humility."

Looking at the medal, Xie, a U.S. citizen, reflected on her journey from Shanghai, Paris, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to New York. "It has been challenging and rewarding. I enjoyed the adventures along the way, as I carried my Chinese origin, French education, American optimism and African sunshine (with me)."

Delattre, France's permanent representative to the United Nations, highlighted in his speech Xie's major contributions to the United Nations, including her efforts in achieving the sustainable development goals and multilateralism and the fight against AIDS, as well as her contribution to the contemporary art world and promoting the French language and culture.

After graduating from the Pantheon-Sorbonne University, she started her career at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund and the World Health Organization in New York, Geneva and across Africa.

She is now a global advocate for sustainable development and curator of contemporary art, working with the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State and the American Federation of Arts.

Fluent in English, French and Chinese, Xie mobilizes resources to organize world forums, leadership programs and cultural events to strengthen public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.

Friday's ceremony took place at the Payne Whitney Mansion in New York, home to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States.

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor is the highest honor awarded by the French government to those who made outstanding contributions to France. Its five classes are Chevalier (knight), Officier (officer), Commandeur (commander), Grand officier (grand officer) and Grand-croix (grand cross).