International Day of Peace
20 September 2002
United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok

Welcome Address by Mr. Kim Hak-Su
Under-Secretary-General, United Nations; and Executive Secretary,
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

This is the third International Day of Peace observance which I have had the pleasure of attending. Each has inspired us to appreciate the urgency of our work in alleviating poverty, assisting nations with the problems of globalization, and dealing with emerging social issues. It is obvious that none of these can come about without peace both between nations - an absence of war; and within nations - harmony and absence of strife, be it ideological, ethnic or religious. And ultimately, the peace we can experience within ourselves and which will colour our daily activities and attitudes.

As the Secretary-General has pointed out in his message, the International Day of Peace is from now on accorded extra importance. It is to extend beyond "simple peace" to embrace a global ceasefire and non-violence. It is up to us all to make this work.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to welcome such a wide participation in our observance today, from UN agencies, the Royal Thai Armed Forces in their Peacekeeping role, universities including students, ECOSOC-affiliated NGOs and others. In particular, I would like to thank the speakers and moderator for so generously taking the time to be with us today and share their experience and wisdom.

Let the inspiration we take away with us from this observance today encourage each one of us to maintain that inner peace and harmony which will enable us to help bring about the conditions whereby the peoples in our region, and the world, can live in peace, prosperity and justice for all.

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