Sunday, September 22, 2013

Peace Day - Secretary-General's Message






Secretary-General's Message

21 September 2013

The International Day of Peace is a time for reflection – a day when we reiterate our belief in non-violence and call for a global ceasefire.  We ask people everywhere to observe a minute of silence, at noon local time, to honour those killed in conflict and the survivors who live with daily trauma and pain. 

This year we are highlighting Education for Peace.  Education is vital for fostering global citizenship and building peaceful societies.  
In June, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl targeted for assassination by the Taliban for campaigning for the right to education, came to the United Nations.  Malala said: “One teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.”  These are our most powerful weapons.  

That is why, last year, I launched the Global Education First Initiative... 

On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity.  Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might.

Ban Ki-moon

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