The world observes today, on September 21, the International Day of Peace, a global call for cease-fire and non-violence, with a focus this year on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation put in perspective by Secretary General United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon for governments and citizens.
On 13 June 2009, Ban launched a multi-platform campaign under the slogan 'We Must Disarm (WMD)' to mark the 100-day countdown. During the 100 days, the UN raised awareness of the dangers and costs of nuclear weapons by issuing a reason a day on why nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are so crucial.
The UN Secretary General will take part in the traditional bell-ringing ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York on September 18 due to the observance of Eid on September 21.
In his message on the Peace Day, he said "It is a time to reflect on the horror and cost of war, and on our duty to resolve disputes peacefully." The message says that most of the victims of conflict are powerless innocent civilians and without peace. "Journalists, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, UN staff and peacekeepers have all found themselves under attack."
It mentions that combatants, warlords, arm suppliers and their sponsors continue to display a cruel disrespect for life.
"On this day, I remind all of them that there is another way. A better way, he asserted, which is the path of peace. We should be encouraged that war between nations is happening less often. Diplomacy and negotiation are becoming a more frequent choice," he articulated. It says that even where states are torn by internal strife, history shows that peace
can prevail if there is sufficient will. The statement points out that as long as such weapons exist, no one is safe. "On this International Day of Peace, I have a simple message for all: We Must Disarm, we must have peace. I appeal to people throughout the world to join in this effort. Support the
United Nations, and do your part for peace," he concluded.
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