Note No. 5847

‘CULTURE OF PEACE’ EXHIBIT, HIGHLIGHTING CONTRIBUTIONS OF BOTH ORDINARY AND RENOWNED PEACE-BUILDERS, TO OPEN ON 4 FEBRUARY

04/02/2004
Press Release
Note No. 5847


Note to Correspondents


‘CULTURE OF PEACE’ EXHIBIT, HIGHLIGHTING CONTRIBUTIONS OF BOTH ORDINARY


AND RENOWNED PEACE-BUILDERS, TO OPEN ON 4 FEBRUARY


The potential of both renowned and ordinary individuals to contribute to lasting global stability is the focus of “Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World”, an exhibition which will be on display in the Visitors’ Lobby of United Nations Headquarters from 5 to 27 February.


Illustrating the importance of building a culture of peace at all levels and across geographical lines, the exhibit highlights the work of a dozen people famous for their role in conflict resolution, while showcasing the essays and artwork of children who are destined to inherit this task.


Secretary-General Kofi Annan has observed that “It is not enough to send peacekeeping forces to separate warring parties.  It is not enough to engage in peace-building efforts after societies have been ravaged by conflict.  It is not enough to conduct preventive diplomacy.  All of this is essential work, but we must also act at a deeper level if we want enduring results.  We need, in short, a culture of peace.”


The exhibition is being launched in the context of the United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).  It is a joint venture of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Republic of Mozambique and Tuvalu, the Soka Gakkai International-USA, and the International Committee of Artists for Peace.


The opening reception will feature remarks by United Nations Under- Secretary-General Anwarul K. Chowdhury and 1977 Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams.  There will also be a concert featuring award winning jazz greats Herbie Hancock, Nestor Torres, Larry Coryell and Buster Williams.


For more information, call Jan Arnesen, tel. (212) 963-8531; or Carolina Ramirez, tel. (212) 963-1176.


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For information media. Not an official record.