UN Secretary-General calls on world leaders to take urgent action to build lasting peace

New York, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders today, Wednesday, to take urgent action to build lasting peace, warning that the scope of suffering worldwide is widening due to violence, division, and the escalation of conflicts. This appeal came during the ringing of the Peace Bell at UN Headquarters in New York, ahead of the arrival of world leaders to participate in the high-level week of the General Assembly.

Guterres emphasized on this occasion that peace is “not an achievement attained without effort,” and that the dialogue and solidarity required for solutions are “absent from the scene.” He highlighted the role played by volunteers, advocates for just causes, civil society organizations, and peacekeepers and peacemakers around the world in “bridging divides and healing the wounds of societies.”

Guterres urged world leaders, when they convene at the UN in the coming weeks, to follow the example of those he described as “peace champion heroes” by investing in sustainable development, building institutions that enjoy public trust, and safeguarding human rights and human dignity. He also called for renewing commitment to peace tools that have proven effective, foremost among them diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation, peacekeeping, and the end of ongoing wars and conflicts.

The Peace Bell was made from coins donated by representatives of 60 countries who participated in the 13th General Conference of the UN Association in Paris in 1951. It is rung annually by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the new session of the General Assembly.

This marks the last time Guterres will ring the Peace Bell in his capacity as Secretary-General before the end of his term later this year, having pledged to continue standing alongside peace workers around the world. (End) A.S.T. / A.S.