Secretary-General Says ‘Peace Begins with Us’ in Message for Olympic, Paralympic Games

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro today:

Ladies and gentleman,

Bom dia Rio!

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

I congratulate all the athletes — and all the supporters and fans who will be filling the sporting arenas of Rio in the weeks ahead.

The Olympics and Paralympics celebrate the best of humanity.

The International Olympic Committee and the United Nations work closely together for global harmony and peace.

In that spirit, we proclaim the Olympic Truce — and we call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and put aside their differences during the Games.

Let us all do more to uphold the ideals of equality and mutual respect.

Let us build prosperity and dignity for all on a healthy planet.

Peace begins with us.

Thank you.  Obrigado.