Remarks by
H.E. MR. HARRI HOLKERI
President of the General Assembly
On the occasion of
Millennium
Peace Day Event at United Nations Headquartes in New York
19 September 2000
I am delighted to welcome you all to the Millennium Peace Day celebration. I firmly believe that peace is imbedded within human nature and behavior, and not inimical to it.
Today, I have received 50 million signatures, collected throughout the world in support of UNESCO’s campaign, on behalf of the culture of peace. All those who have signed the manifesto have made a personal commitment to translate peace, tolerance and sharing into their daily lives.
I thank members of the Peace Poem project who have collected thousands of lines of peace poetry from over 80 UN Member States. I would also like to extend special thanks to the members of The Cloth of Many Colors. The mile-long banner they have created with quilts collected from all parts of the world is like a beautiful mosaic, embodying our own collective humanity.
All these performances, including the music presentations prove to us that
we have a common goal, and that peace does have a chance. I am deeply moved
by the beauty and magnitude of your efforts. I warmly thank each and everyone
of you.