Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: On this United Nations Day, we celebrate all that is positive about our organization. Looking at the United Nations from this perspective, we see powerful testament of over half a century of achievements in all spheres of human endeavour. This is not to say that the organization is perfect, but it is the best hope that we have in an imperfect world. It is right, therefore, that on this day we join hands with people around the world to celebrate what the United Nations means to us. Music is a universal language, a tongue all people understand, whether from north or south and regardless of political or religious beliefs, and social or cultural systems. Music, therefore, is a unifying force, and it is fitting that we celebrate United Nations Day in music in this General Assembly Hall, where less than one month ago, leaders from around the world came in unprecedented number to reaffirm their faith in this organization. The Government of Switzerland has kindly arranged this performance of the renowned Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, on the first anniversary of Switzerland’s full membership of the United Nations. We greatly appreciate their generosity, and hope that the harmony in the music will be reflected in the harmony of peoples and of nations. I thank you all
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