Dialogue of civilizations, tolerance

As the distinguished permanent representatives have said, we were originally meant to gather on May 7th, the date of this year’s Vesak Day, which marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to postpone that gathering.

So today I thank the Governments of Sri Lanka and Thailand for bringing us together, and I extend a warm welcome to all who are joining this virtual event.

In any year, this observance is sacred to millions of Buddhists around the world.

Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Omar Hilale of the Kingdom of Morocco for this very timely initiative.
 
It is heartening to see so many religious leaders joining forces today in a spirit of solidarity.

It is for me an enormous pleasure to be with all of you today, especially in a moment in which we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and we hope to transform the 75th anniversary in a mutation in the way the UN relates with you.

Most political leaders and international organizations have in my opinion four stages in their relations with young people all over the world.

This is a very emotional moment — and I cannot be here without having a very strong feeling. 
 
It is wonderful to see interfaith dialogue. It is wonderful to see in the same shrine today Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, maybe Hindus — all worshipping in harmony and in peace. 
 
This is the best symbol that we can give for a world in peace and for a world in which there is mutual respect and there is the acceptance of what is different — recognizing that diversity is a blessing, is a richness, not a threat. 
 

It is such an honour to join all of you to mark the anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom.

Kristallnacht was not just the night of broken glass; it was the night of broken lives, broken families, broken societies, broken dreams.

And, as we know, that dreadful night of state-orchestrated terror was followed by days, months and years of incalculable horror, so tragically and movingly displayed here.

Minister Çavuşoğlu,
Ministers, Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
It is a great pleasure to join you for the 6th Istanbul Mediation Conference. This is an important opportunity to consider how we approach mediation, one of our most important tools to reduce and end conflict.
 
As the tragedy in Syria grinds on for an eighth year, with civilians paying the hightest price, there could be no clearer illustration of the importance of political solutions to conflict. 

It is a great pleasure and a great honour to be here to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the giants of the 20th century, a global icon of peace and an advocate for the most vulnerable. I thank Prime Minister Modi and the Indian mission for convening this meeting.
 
Gandhiji’s vision and philosophy are pillars of the work of the United Nations. 
 

Mr. President,
 
Welcome to the United Nations. It’s wonderful to see you back with us.  I also welcome the distinguished members of your Administration. 
 
I want to begin by saluting you, Mr. President, for putting a focus on religious freedom – a pressing global issue and one that is also very close to my heart. 
 

[off mic] …with a very distinguished group of young people on the International Day of Peace. 
 
We usually look at peace from the point of view of the conflicts between human beings.  Peace is not only the absence of war; it is the creation of the conditions of harmony in the way people live with each other to allow for conflicts not to exist.  But today, we have a special Peace Day, because it is not only about peace among people, it is also about peace between people and nature.  Peace between people and the planet. 
 

It is not by chance that this event started with music.  Music is a universal language, and music is the best tool we have to promote peace. 
 
I am deeply grateful for the fantastic work that our two Messengers for Peace do, because what they represent is extremely important for us. 
 
Of course we are use to seeing them receiving standing ovations in fantastic performances in great music rooms around the world.