Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General

"Dear Friends, UN Day 2001 is a special day for every member of the United Nations family, and for everyone who believes in the ideals of our Organization. This year, the United Nations has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for our work in promoting peace, defending human rights, and fighting poverty.

All of us at the United Nations are honored and humbled by this prize. I hope it will encourage us to tackle our tasks with even greater determination. I know as we move forward, we can rely on the cooperation and support of you, the peoples of the world. The UN is you, and we exist to serve you.

Today, on UN Day 2001, I urge the entire United Nations family to stay true to our mission, and to work harder than ever to alleviate suffering in every part of the world. As the world confronts a new challenge, old ones remain. The United Nations is more central than ever to creating a better and safer world for all. Thank you very much."

© UN, 2001. Prepared by the Department of Public Information / News and Media Division.