WORLD PEACE DAY - 0921

"Peace is a paramount mission of the United Nations. It is the basis of our existence; the essence of our identity; the course that animates everything we do.

The 21st of September, 0921, the International Day of Peace, is the day on which we reaffirm our commitment to this quest. It is an opportunity to consider how to strengthen our system of collective security. And it is meant to be a day of global ceasefire.

I call on all countries and all people to stop all hostilities for the entire day. I urge all people around the world to observe a minute of silence at Noon. 24 hours is not long enough, but it is time enough for combatants and political leaders to consider the destruction they are visiting on their people and on their lands. It is long enough to look over the barricades and through the barbed wire to see if there is another path.

On this International Day of Peace, let us all honor those who have suffered from violence. Let us hold in our hearts the ideal of peace".

Kofi Annan
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations