HARNESS CULTURE OF PEACE TO UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS WORK,

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS IN MESSAGE TO ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION

Following is the text of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the 25^th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation, as delivered by Vijay Nambiar, Chef de Cabinet to the Secretary-General, in Washington, 28 March:

At a time when some would seek to divide the human family by exploiting differences among peoples, we need more than ever the contribution of men and women of faith who defend and promote the human values that bind us together.  It is reassuring to know that you -- a diverse assembly of origins and cultures -- have gathered to celebrate your commitment to global harmony and peaceful coexistence. 

The values you champion, including non-violence, compassion and the sanctity of all life, go to the heart of what the United Nations stands for.  We must give life to these values upon which, in our globalizing world, we are destined to build our coexistence.

At the 2005 World Summit, world leaders pledged “to take action to promote a culture of peace and dialogue at local, national, regional and international levels” and emphasized the value of dialogue between cultures and civilizations.  Today, such dialogue is needed more than ever.  Together, we must nurture communities where people of all faiths, cultures and nationalities coexist in peace.  And we must harness these efforts to the United Nations work for peace, development and human rights for all. 

That is why I am pleased to extend my best wishes to all of you on this celebration.  May your message of peace, tolerance and understanding resound far and wide.

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For information media • not an official record