[hr-education-na] On International Day of Peace Kofi Annan stresses need for greater tolerance, promotion of 'unity based on our shared humanity'

***Learn more about the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2004:
http://www.hrea.org/feature-events/peace-day.php


UN Press Release
SG/SM/9480
OBV/435

Following is the message by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the
International Day of Peace, 21 September:

The International Day of Peace is always a special occasion, but this one
is even more so -- for this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Peace
Bell, which we ring every year on this day.

It was in 1954 that this bell, cast from coins collected by children from
60 countries, was presented to the United Nations by the UN Association of
Japan.  For half a century since then, the bell has sent a powerful
message around the world about humankind's aspiration for peace.
Throughout that time -- from the height of the Cold War to the rise of
intrastate conflicts, from the spread of the AIDS crisis to the escalation
of terrorism -- the call of the bell has remained constant, clear and
true.

Today, we listen to the ringing of the bell as solace while we contemplate
the tribulations of the past year, and as a source of strength as we
prepare to take on the trials ahead. As the world's countries gather this
week for the 59th General Assembly, we know there will be many challenges
before us.  To meet them effectively, I believe a number of fundamental
priorities merit a special claim on our attention.

We need to keep working to strengthen the system of collective security,
and make sure it is up to the task of meeting the threats of the 21st
century.  The High- Level Panel I appointed late last year is working hard
to give us the ideas to do just that.

We need to build greater international solidarity in tackling grave
humanitarian emergencies, such as the one in Darfur.

We need to do better in forging a true global partnership for development,
to fight hunger, ignorance, poverty and disease and meet the Millennium
Development Goals -- agreed by all Member States as a blueprint for
building a better world in the 21st century.

And we need to promote greater tolerance and understanding among the
peoples of the world.  Nothing can be more dangerous to our efforts to
build peace and development than a world divided along religious, ethnic
or cultural lines.  In each nation, and among all nations, we must work to
promote unity based on our shared humanity.

Today, let the sound of this bell inspire us in our work towards those
goals.  Let the call of the bell ring loud, clear and true around the
world.


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