This green marble plaque was created to honor Benito Juarez (1806 – 1872), President of Mexico from 1857 – 1872, who was responsible for the democratization of Mexico. The words of Juarez are engraved on the stone and read: “Respect for the rights of others in peace.” The artist who created the plaque, Angela Gurria, is known for her monumental art characterized by its figurative and mystical nature. The marble selected by the artist originates from Oaxaca, the state in which Juarez was born. The plaque is engraved on the right with the inscription and on the left side is a likeness of his face. In total the piece weighs a total of 1,320 pounds.  

Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim accepted the gift on behalf of the United Nations on the 11th of December 1972, and during the acceptance ceremony expressed that Juarez established what became the social and political structure of modern Mexico and became a symbol for other peoples besides his own.