Statement by
H.E. MR. HARRI HOLKERI
President of the General Assembly
On the occasion of
the luncheon honouring recipients of
the Global Tolerance Award 2000
on the International Day of Tolerance
16 November 2000
Five years ago, the General Assembly adopted a set of principles designed to
promote tolerance of human differences and cultural diversity. It also declared
November 16th as the International Day for Tolerance as a time for promoting
understanding and acceptance of our differences, and for renewing our commitment
to action to prevent intolerance, bigotry and hatred.
In September this year, the largest ever gathering of world leaders, meeting
here at the United Nations, reminded us that "differences within and between
societies should be neither feared nor repressed, but cherished as a precious
asset of humanity". In their Millennium Declaration, the heads of State and
Government reaffirmed that tolerance is essential to international relations.
As President of the 55th General Assembly, I am conscious of the uniqueness
of this session's timing, coming as it does immediately after that historic
Summit. I am also conscious of the need for this Millennium Assembly to put
into action the commitments made by the world's leaders in that Declaration.
In conducting the business of the Assembly, I have emphasized the need to maintain
the "millennium spirit" and proceed with a sense of urgency in our work.
Next year we will hold the World Conference against racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance. This important conference will be another
milestone on the path towards the day when we can live together in peace and
harmony. For that day to become a reality, we must actively seek ways to erase
hate, combat violence, especially against women and children, and cultivate
respect for diversity.
Today's recipients of the Global Tolerance Award for 2000 are leaders in the
struggle against intolerance. They have been innovators in cultivating understanding,
acceptance and mutual respect between people. I congratulate them on their courage
and hope that their achievements might serve to inspire all of us to practice
tolerance in all our relationships and activities. And not just on this International
Day for Tolerance, but every day.
In the final analysis, tolerance is the virtue that makes peace possible.