António Guterres issued the call during the annual ceremony on the grounds of the UN Headquarters in New York to call the Peace Campana.
Pursuing the cause of peace is “the heartbeat” of the organization, “but today, peace is under siege,” he said.
“Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled, leaving scenes that dishonor our common humanity.”
Peace requires action
The ceremony is ahead of the International Peace Day on September 21, and this year’s theme is “to act now for a peaceful world.”
“We know that peace does not happen by accident,” said the secretary general. “It is forged, through courage, commitment and, above all, action.”
He asked for the “silence weapons” action, amplify diplomacy, protect civilians and defend the UN letter.
“We must act, to address the fundamental causes of the conflict, from inequality and exclusion, to hate discourse and climate chaos. We must act, to invest in prevention, dialogue and trust,” he continued.
“And we must act to support peace builders, especially women, who are in the front line of hope.”
Do not give up: President of the General Assembly
The president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, also addressed the meeting.
Amid numerous conflicts worldwide, he questioned whether there would be less war without the United Nations, firmly responding that “definitely does not.”
“This is not the time to surrender,” he said. “It’s a time to strive even more.”
‘That peace sounds’
The general secretary said that “peace is the most powerful force for a better future,” insisting that “it is within our reach, if we choose it.”
This is the message of the Campana de la Paz, he added, in 1952 of coins and medals donated by people around the world, “united in his longing for peace.”
“This peace bell reminds us that even smaller contributions can forge something lasting,” he said.
“Even in a fractured world, we can unite to let peace sound. We answer that call.”
About the Campana de la Paz
The Japanese peace bell was presented as a gift to the United Nations of the UN Association of Japan on June 8, 1954.
On his side there are eight Japanese characters that say: “Long live absolute world peace”.
It is lodged in a wooden structure that resembles a traditional Sitista Sanctuary.
The bell was played twice a year on the first day of spring, in the vernal equinox, and to commemorate the International Peace Day.