UN Resident Coordinator Ghulam M. Isaczai’s speech at International Day of Peace event

Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Founder of IDEA Public Union,

Mr. Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Azerbaijan,

Ms. Elmira Suleymanova, Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan,

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to speak at today’s event, “Peace to the World”, which is dedicated to the International Day of Peace.

This Day is observed around the world each year on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The United Nations Member States adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 because they understood that it would not be possible to build a peaceful world if steps were not taken to achieve economic and social development for all people everywhere and ensure that their rights were protected.

The Sustainable Goals cover a broad range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice.

Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” calls for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

A peaceful society is one where there is justice and equality for everyone. Peace will enable a sustainable environment to take shape and a sustainable environment will help promote peace.

The theme of the International Day of Peace this year is “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”. It celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is a milestone document in the history of human rights.

The Universal Declaration – the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages – is as relevant today as it was on the day that it was adopted.

As the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated in his message dedicated to the International Day of Peace, “It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race.”

He encouraged everyone to speak up for gender equality, for inclusive societies and for climate action, and invited to act together to promote and defend human rights for all, in the name of lasting peace for all.

I am looking forward to seeing today’s exhibition dedicated to the International Day of Peace and paintings of children. It is always interesting to explore peace through the eyes of children. And, who knows, maybe they can give us the best answer on how to achieve peace in the world.

So, let us all work together for a safe, just and prosperous future for all.