Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

24 Sep, 2020

Stand together and build a just world, UN chief says in Int’l Day of Peace message

Even though Peace is the basic prerequisite for Tourism, this important commemorative day is usually ignored by the Travel & Tourism industry. Long after the Covid-19 pandemic fades into history, Travel & Tourism flows worldwide will continue to face the threat of regional, local and global conflicts, all of them man-made. Do industry leaders ever plan to find ways to alleviate those threats?

United Nations, 21 September 2020, UN News – Even amid the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, people everywhere must continue to make peace a priority, the UN Secretary-General said on Monday. 

Unsplash/Cole Keister A mural on a wall in Netiv HaAsara, Israel, that faces the Gaza border and reads Path to Peace in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

António Guterres made the appeal in his message to mark the International Day of Peace, observed annually on 21 September. 

He described the deadly virus as a “common enemy” that is causing immense suffering, destroying livelihoods and exacerbating already formidable peace and security challenges. 

 “In these days of physical distancing, we may not be able to stand next to one another. But we must still stand together for peace.   And, together, I know we can — and will — build a more just, sustainable and equitable world”, he said. 

The UN General Assembly established the International Day in 1981, and two decades later unanimously designated it as a period of non-violence and ceasefire. 

This year, the focus is on “Shaping Peace Together.”   

“In that spirit, and to mark our 75th anniversary, the United Nations is bringing people together for a global conversation about shaping our future and forging peace in trying times,” said the Secretary-General, speaking about the UN75 initiative. 

With the pandemic continuing its relentless march across the world, the UN chief underlined the importance of having warring parties lay down their weapons and work for harmony, adding: “That is why I appealed for a global ceasefire in March.” 

During the official UN commemoration of the International Day, held last Thursday, Mr. Guterres said he will repeat his call for the ceasefire during the high-level segment of the General Assembly, this week.