IN ACCEPTING NONVIOLENCE AWARD, SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEDGES NOT TO FORGET SACRIFICES OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Press Release
SG/SM/6880
IN ACCEPTING NONVIOLENCE AWARD, SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEDGES NOT TO FORGET SACRIFICES OF MAHATMA GANDHI AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
19990129 Following is the text of the message by Secretary-General Kofi Annan upon receiving the first Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence, which was delivered today in New York on his behalf by Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations Gillian Sorensen:It is a privilege to be chosen the first recipient of the Gandhi/King Award for Nonviolence. In honouring me, the Interfaith Centre of New York is honouring the United Nations itself and the cause of universal progress to which we are dedicated.
This award carries the names of two of the most exceptional leaders of our century, indeed of all times. It is a great distinction, but it also represents an even greater challenge.
For as I said one year ago in helping to launch the Interfaith Centre's "Season for Nonviolence", we have many miles to go and many torches to light in our quest for human rights -- in our struggle to rid the world of bigotry, oppression and violence.
Over the years we have experienced both successes and setbacks. We are duty-bound to learn from both. Only when we learn do we grow, and only when we grow will we come close to fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. They taught us that violence is the tragic result of fear and misunderstanding, of hatred and objectification. We see the evidence all too frequently, as violence stalks our cities and towns and as conflict erupts within states and between them. Violence exposes our weaknesses and masks our insecurities. It is our greatest failure.
In accepting this award, I pledge never to forget the sacrifices that Gandhi and King made for humanity. Their message and their example -- their inspiring summons on all people to turn away from violence and towards a future of dignity and justice -- will continue to guide the United Nations in its global mission of peace.
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