I am Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The United Nations and the Olympic Movement bring countries together. We believe in peace.

That is why we proclaim an Olympic Truce.

I call on warring parties everywhere to lay down their weapons during the Games.

One day of peace can lead to a week of peace … a month of peace … and eventually an end to war.

The United Nations was founded on this dream. Every day we work to make peace a reality.

May the torch of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London unite the world for harmony and peace.