The UN chief Antonio Guterres observes International Day of Peace on Friday, September 16, by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence at the UN Peace Garden in New York.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, while speaking at the UN headquarters in New York, called for global solidarity, collective action, commitment and mutual trust to mark the International Day of Peace, which happens on Wednesday, September 21.
Peace and Unity
Guterres thanked those in attendance for joining in to sound the call for peace while stating a reminder that peace is under assault.
“The poison of War is infecting the world, by jeopardizing millions of lives, turning people against each other, pitting nation against nation, eroding security and wellbeing, and reversing development”. Guterres stated.
He further added that unity will enable us to push further toward the future of our shared goals.
“Rather than going to war with one another, Humanity should be rallying us together to solve common challenges”, stressed the UN chief.
“Poverty, hunger, and inequality; climate change and biodiversity loss; the COVID-19 pandemic – which “continues to devastate lives and economies alike” — and racism, “the focus of this year’s International Day,” he further added.
Making peace
In advancing and promoting peace which is the UN’s primary mission, Guterres said that it is everyone’s responsibility to establish peace.
“Together, let’s wage peace,” urged Guterres.
“Peace for our planet, for developing countries being victimized by deeply unfair global financial systems, and in the name of equality for all by ending all forms of discrimination, racism and hate speech”.
He further continued to advocate for peace for the young people who will be affected directly or indirectly by the consequences of the decisions made by leaders now, and also wished for peace for those facing war currently.
“And most importantly, peace for those millions of people today living through the horrors of war”.
Global solidarity
The UN Secretary-General highlighted the need for global solidarity, collective action, commitment, and mutual trust, now more than ever.
“It starts here, and it starts now, let us sound the call for a world of peace for all people”.
Before ringing the peace bell, he invited those in attendance to observe a moment of silence to reflect on the meaning and necessity of peace.
On the other hand, Kenyan President Ruto on Monday evening will proceed to the United States for the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Ruto is scheduled to make his first presidential address at UNGA on Wednesday.
“Strengthening ties with the international community will catalyse the transformation of our country,” President Ruto said in a tweet on Sunday.
Earlier during President Ruto’s inauguration ceremony on 13th Tuesday, the delegates present for the ceremony lauded Kenya for conducting a peaceful election.
He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, and Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová.
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Each year the International Day of Peace is celebrated to strengthen the ideals of peace – both within and among all nations and peoples.
