STORY: UN chief appeals for attainment of peace for all on International Day of Peace
DATELINE: Sept. 22, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:14
LOCATION: UN Headquarters
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of UN Headquarters
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General

STORYLINE:

Thursday marked the International Day of Peace.

In a video speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for efforts to achieve peace for all.

SOUNDBITE (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General"As we mark this International Day of Peace, people and our planet are in crisis. Conflicts are driving record numbers of people from their homes. Deadly fires, raging floods and soaring temperatures, poverty, inequalities and injustices, mistrust, division and prejudice... This year's theme reminds us that peace is not automatic. Peace is the result of action. Action to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that no one is left behind. Action to end the war on our planet and its natural gifts. Action to uphold and protect the human rights and dignity of every person -- especially as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Action to use the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration to defuse tensions and end conflict. And action for those millions of people living through the horrors of war. Peace is not only a noble vision for humanity. Peace is a call to action. Let us commit to build, drive and sustain peace for all."

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on Sept. 21. 

The UN General Assembly has declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

This year's theme is "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals." It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from UN Headquarters.
(XHTV)