Message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the
International Day of Peace
21-09-2007
Dear friends,
Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs. It is also the United
Nations’ highest calling.
It defines our mission. It drives our discourse. And it draws together all
of our worldwide work, from peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy to
promoting human rights and development.
This work for peace is vital. But it is not easy. Indeed, in countless
communities across the world, peace remains an elusive goal. From the
displaced person camps of Chad and Darfur to the byways of Baghdad, the
quest for peace is strewn with setbacks and suffering.
September 21, the International Day of Peace, is an occasion to take stock
of our efforts to promote peace and well-being for all people everywhere.
It is an opportunity to appreciate what we have already accomplished, and
to dedicate ourselves to all that remains to be done.
It is also meant to be a day of global ceasefire: a 24-hour respite from
the fear and insecurity that plague so many places.
Today, I urge all countries and all combatants to honour this cessation of
hostilities. And I ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence at
noon local time.
As the guns fall silent, we should use this opportunity to ponder the
price we all pay due to conflict. And we should resolve to vigorously
pursue ways to make permanent this day’s pause.
On this International Day, let us promise to make peace not just a
priority, but a passion. Let us pledge to do more, wherever we are in
whatever way we can, to make every day a day of peace.
Thank you.
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Sierra Leone
