António Guternes gave the call during the annual ceremony on the site of the UN headquarters in New York to call the Peace Bell.
The pursuit of the cause of peace is ‘the beating heart’ of the organization, ‘but today peace is besieged’, he said.
“Multiply conflicts. Citizens suffer. Human rights and international law are trampled behind – leaving scenes that disgrace our common humanity.”
Peace requires action
The ceremony occurs The International Day of Peace On September 21, and the theme this year is “Act now for a peaceful world”.
“We know that peace does not happen by accident,” said the Secretary General. “It is forged – by courage, compromise and especially action.”
He called for action “to silence the weapons”, to strengthen diplomacy, protect citizens and the A charter.
“We have to act – to tackle the root causes of conflicts – from inequality and exclusion, to hate -sowing speech and climate chaos. We have to act – to invest in prevention, dialogue and trust,” he continued.
“And we have to act to support the peace structure – especially women and young people – who are in the front lines of hope.”
Do not give up: chairman of the general meeting
The president of the UN general meeting, Analena Baerbock, also addressed the meeting.
In the midst of countless conflicts worldwide, she wondered if there would be less war without the United Nations, who reacted firmly that ‘certainly not’.
“This is not the time to give up,” she said. “It’s a time to try even harder.”
‘Let the peace ring’
The Secretary General said that “Peace is the most powerful power for a better future”, insisting that “it is inside our grip and we choose it.”
This is the message of the Vredesbel, he added, cast in 1952 from coins and medals donated by people from all over the world, “united in their desire for peace”.
“This peace bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something sustainably,” he said.
“Even in a broken world we can come together to let the peace ring. Let’s answer that call.”
About De Vredesbel
The Japanese Peace Bel was presented as A gift to the United Nations of the UN Association of Japan on 8 June 1954.
On the side are eight Japanese characters who say: “Long -living absolute world peace.”
It is housed in a wooden structure that looks like a traditional shinto sanctuary.
The bell is called twice a year on the first day of spring, on the Vernal Equinox, and to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
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