BUILDING PEACE REQUIRES PARTICIPATION BY ALL CITIZENS, NATIONS, CONTINENTS, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS IN 'INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY' MESSAGE
Press Release
SG/SM/6324
OBV/10
BUILDING PEACE REQUIRES PARTICIPATION BY ALL CITIZENS, NATIONS, CONTINENTS, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS IN 'INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY' MESSAGE
19970912 Following is the text of a message by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, 16 September:In the late twentieth century, peace is increasingly understood not just in military terms, and not just as the absence of conflict, but as a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social justice, environmental protection, democratization, disarmament and respect for human rights. These pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
Building peace and combatting threats to peace in an interdependent world requires the full participation of every citizen, every nation, every continent. Governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses and industries, academic institutions, trade unions and other members of civil society, are all players on the international stage. At the United Nations, all can come together in common cause to address today's complex global problems and to work towards shared goals.
Our work is year-round and round-the-clock. But each year at this time, we begin a new General Assembly session. Let us, this year, pledge to make the United Nations as effective as possible in rendering its diverse services to the global community. And let us always remember the ideals of peace -- both within and among all nations and peoples -- that inform and inspire our efforts.
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