NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS SECRETARY-GENERAL TO RECOGNIZE FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION AS MESSENGER OF PEACE

Press Release

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS SECRETARY-GENERAL TO RECOGNIZE FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION AS MESSENGER OF PEACE

On Tuesday, 15 September, the Secretary-General will honour former three- time World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali as a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of arts, literature, music and sports, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations.

Since his retirement from the ring, Mr. Ali has been a relentless advocate for people in need, having delivered millions of dollars in food and medical relief to countries in Africa and Asia, and having raised in excess of $50 million for charities throughout the United States and the world. Mr. Ali, 56, was credited in 1990 with securing the release of over a dozen American hostages from Iraq just days prior to the start of the Persian Gulf War, and just last week, he delivered a second shipment of medical supplies to two impoverished children's hospitals in Havana, Cuba.

"The United Nations has gained an important emissary in Muhammad Ali", said United Nations Spokesman Fred Eckhard, "he is truly a citizen of the world, known on every continent for his courage and generosity of spirit." Mr. Ali, who typically has shied away from formal affiliations with governing bodies, is known to be a great admirer of Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Lonnie Ali said of her husband, "Muhammad agreed to serve the United Nations because he believes this can be a vehicle to bring people together and that is what he has dedicated his life to." Thrilled to accept the title, Mr. Ali proclaimed, "this is one of my greatest honours, in or out of the ring". Mr. Ali is expected to travel to Africa on behalf of the United Nations later this year.

The Secretary-General will present Mr. Ali with a formal framed citation and a lapel pin in the form of a dove exclusively designed by artist Leni Fuhrman for the Messengers of Peace. The citation says, in part " ... through your contributions to sports and human rights, the message of peace, harmony and human dignity will resound throughout the nations".

Correspondents will have an opportunity to see Mr. Ali on Tuesday, 15 September, between noon and 12:30 p.m. at the Secretariat Entrance, and later at the Visitors' Plaza, where he will participate in a Day of Peace event.

For information on press accreditation, contact Sonia Lecca at 963-6934.

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