SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS DEMOCRATIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT FOR TODAY'S WORLD
Press Release
SG/SM/5883
SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS DEMOCRATIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT FOR TODAY'S WORLD
19960125 Following is the text, translated from the French, of the statement made today by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on receiving the "Letter of Peace", organized by a coalition of Spanish and Latin American non- governmental organizations with the sponsorship of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):When last year I had the pleasure of welcoming you here in New York, I stressed the importance I attached to your initiative.
Indeed, the "Letter of Peace" seems to me to be one of the most tangible manifestations of the role that international public opinion can play when mobilized in support of the great ideals of the Charter.
I therefore wanted strongly to encourage you to continue your efforts and campaigning, transmitting your message to all peoples and all continents.
I see today, with pleasure, that my words have been heeded and, though I say it myself, far beyond my expectations. The impressive number of signatures collected shows what enthusiasm you have aroused for the cause of peace.
In the position which I currently hold, you may be sure that I feel real encouragement and renewed confidence in the future.
We are well aware that we are now living in the era of the global society. Which means a world where those who act are not just States, but also non-governmental organizations, national parliaments, private companies, the media, associations of all sorts, academics, intellectuals, and each and every man and woman who feels he or she is a full member of the big human family.
Globalization of the world means opening up. It must also then mean democratization.
The democratization of international relations is, in my view, one of the fundamental requirements for today's world. And you can be sure that I will do all I can to promote it, wherever that is possible.
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The democratization of international relations requires not only the democratization of international bodies like the United Nations, but also the democratization of all places where authority is exercised at the world level.
So we all have the duty to push for democratic reforms at the international level, to welcome the new protagonists of the global society and to foster the birth of a new world citizenship.
It is in this context that I should like to see and remember our meeting today.
Your "Letter" shows, in the clearest possible manner, that peace is too serious an issue to be dealt with by States alone.
It is only by mobilizing international public opinion that peace will really be able to make progress in the world. For peace is, above all, a culture which must take root in people's hearts. So it is natural that UNESCO should have encouraged your campaign from the outset.
Rest assured that I, in my turn, will give you all my support.
I wish therefore to congratulate all those of you involved in disseminating the "Letter of Peace". I wish to thank the University of Barcelona and its authorities for the outstanding role they are playing in this initiative. And I should like to assure you that you will always be very warmly welcomed by the United Nations.
I thank you for being here today and for your campaign on behalf of peace.
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