Secretary-General, in Message for World War I Commemoration, Urges Fulfilment of Charter-Based Mission, Remembering Youth ‘Cut Down in Their Prime’

(Delayed in transmission.)

Following is the text of UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon’s video message for the First World War Commemorative Concert, in Brussels on 9 November:

Your Majesties, Your Excellency Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Excellencies, distinguished guests of Flanders Festival Brussels, ladies and gentlemen,

I congratulate Flanders Festival Brussels and the Government of Belgium for bringing together over 1,000 Voices for Peace from countries that fought in the First World War.

Today we remember the youth cut down in their prime as they fought trench warfare in the vilest conditions imaginable.

As we reflect on the lessons of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, let us also reaffirm our commitment to overcoming conflict, hatred, poverty and other ills.

This concert conveys a powerful message of solidarity and determination to fulfil the mission set out in the opening words of the United Nations Charter: ‘to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’.

At a time of turmoil and test for the human family, I thank you for supporting the United Nations.  Please accept my best wishes for a memorable event.  Merci beaucoup.  Dank u wel.