‘As We Cradle Cups of Tea’, Says Secretary-General at Tea Gathering for Peace,

 

Symbolism Apparent: ‘the future of the world truly is in our hands’

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the “Tea Gathering for Peace” in New York, today, 17 September:

First, let me thank Dr. [Genshitsu] Sen [President of the United Nations Association of Japan] for conducting this tea ceremony at the United Nations.  This is quite an impressive tea house.

I understand that “Chado”, or the “Way of Tea”, is based on four principles, which as Koreans, we also highly value: harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity.  These are four words which we Koreans also highly value.  I think it is the same with everybody.

It is therefore most appropriate that we should mark the International Day of Peace today by experiencing “peacefulness through a bowl of tea”.

Dr. Sen is well known for his tireless work for peace and understanding in Japan and around the world.  I recall with great pleasure our meeting in August at the United Nations Association of Japan dinner, which he hosted for me and for my delegation in Tokyo.  I was in Japan to commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

I will never forget the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony.  I will never forget meeting the survivors — the hibakusha — or their painful and moving testimony.  I was very impressed and moved this morning when young students sang a song of peace with the piano which survived the atomic attack 65 years ago.  The piano was transported for that ceremony today.  It was quite moving. 

And I am still keeping the gift of citizens of Hiroshima, the 1,000 paper cranes, meaning longevity.  Not because I want to live 1,000 years, but because I hope that this peace will be with everybody around the world.  I am keeping that gift in my residence in the reception hall.  It was a poignant reminder of the importance of preventing conflict and achieving peace.

Every day, I work for peace, and we work for peace together.  But preventing conflict goes far beyond helping adversaries to resolve their differences.  It requires solid foundations: tolerance; respect for human rights; development and opportunity for all.

Next week we will address many of these weighty issues: the Millennium Development Goals; nuclear disarmament; preserving biodiversity; combating terrorism; a peaceful future for Sudan.

Our world is full of conflict and unrest.  The daily headlines speak of violence, danger and need.  Our job at the United Nations — our responsibility — is to support people in their yearning for peace. 

As we cradle these cups of tea, let us reflect on the symbolism: the future of the world truly is in our hands.  What we do here in the weeks ahead can make a tremendous difference for many people around the world, for peace.

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For information media • not an official record