Find Strength to Bridge Divides, Foster Unity, Support One Another, Secretary-General Stresses, in International Day of Nowruz Message

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Day of Nowruz, observed on 21 March:

Dear friends, Nowruz is a celebration of new beginnings — the start of a new year, the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature.  It brings together millions of people across generations and nations.

In these times of great challenge, Nowruz promotes dialogue, good neighbourliness and reconciliation.  It reinforces the goals and values of the United Nations — peace, human rights and dignity.

So let us all be guided by the Nowruz spirit.  Let us find the strength to bridge divides, foster unity and support one another.

Let the dawn of spring nurture new seeds of hope in our hearts — hope that we can move forward to a brighter future, as one human family.

I offer my best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz.  May it bring peace, good health and happiness to all.