Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 12, 2025 UN
To achieve and maintain peace, decisive steps and a willingness to compromise are needed. These were the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking on Friday in the Japanese garden of the UN headquarters at a ceremony dedicated to the upcoming Peace Day. In keeping with tradition, the UN chief rang the Peace Bell, cast from coins brought from 60 countries.
In his speech Antonio Guterres recalled the UN’s mission and warned of growing threats to peace. “Eighty years ago, the United Nations arose from the ashes of war to serve the cause of peace. That mission is the beating heart of our Organization,” he said. “But today, peace is under threat. Conflicts are multiplying. Civilians are suffering. Human rights and international law are being trampled upon, and the scenes that emerge as a result are a disgrace to humanity.”
This year's International Day of Peace is being celebrated under the theme "Act now for world peace." According to the Secretary-General, peace does not come by itself – a willingness to compromise and decisive action are needed to achieve a peaceful settlement.
Guterres called on states to urgently take action for peace: "We must act – to silence the guns and strengthen diplomacy. We must act – to protect civilians and uphold the UN Charter."
We must act – to silence the guns and strengthen diplomacy.
He also called for action to address the root causes of conflicts, from inequality and social exclusion to hate speech and climate chaos. The UN chief is convinced that countries have a responsibility to contribute to prevention efforts, as well as dialogue and trust building. In this context, he proposed action “to support peacebuilders – especially women and young people,” stressing that such people give the world hope.
According to Guterres, the most important guarantee of a better future is peace. And it is possible, you just need to choose it. This, as the head of the UN emphasized, is the main message of his speech on the occasion of Peace Day.
Guterres paid special attention to the symbolism of the Bell, cast from coins and medals collected from all over the world. “This Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can create something lasting. Even in a divided world, we can come together to make peace ‘sound.’ Let us respond to this call,” the UN Secretary-General concluded.
The Peace Bell, donated to the Organization by Japan in 1954, traditionally rings on Peace Day and symbolizes the hope of the peoples of the world for an end to wars and the triumph of harmony. International Peace Day is celebrated every year on September 21.
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