UNAOC High Representative Remarks at
“Discourse on Peace” Event
14 September 2023, United Nations, New York
Your Excellency , Amb Ruchira Kamboj,
Permanent Representative of India,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Allow me first to congratulate the Government of India for the successful organization of the G20 summit.
As Amb. Kamboj rightly said, the theme” One Earth·One Family·One Future” is a reflection of India’s commitment to the welfare of the entire humanity and dedication to global unity and peace.
The theme is derived from the Sanskrit phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meaning The World Is One Family”. This notion remains relevant to today’s special discourse on peace as it emphasizes a global perspective, prioritizing the collective well-being over individual self-serving interests. It encourages to think about the welfare of others, fostering global solidarity and responsibility, particularly in addressing global issues like ranging from peace and security to sustainable development, climate change and human rights.
Today’s discourse on peace is a prelude to the International Day of Peace observed around the world on the 21st of September The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.
Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will contribute to the realization of peace.
Peace is in the DNA of the United Nations. It is embedded in its Charter as a fundamental principle.
Peace is often elusive as conflicts, old and new continue to rage in many parts of the world.
Discrimination and religious intolerance is on the rise fraying social cohesion.
Ethnonationalist ideologies and toxic hate are mainstreamed and normalized fueling violence and hate.
And a growing geopolitical divide is limiting our collective ability to address complex challenges.
We must acknowledge that all the aforementioned challenges are interconnected.
Achieving peace requires mustering political will to address poverty, climate change and inequalities. It means fighting racism and hate speech . It means protecting minorities and upholding Human Rights.
Achieving peace requires investing in prevention, diplomacy, dialogue and mediation to diffuse tensions and bridge the gaps.
We all have a part to play to achieve peace.
Let’s not waste more time.