Speeches
- Written by: H. E. Mr. Téte António Ambassador, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations
We are celebrating an organization today that has stood the test of times. While we can boast of remarkable achievements, we also lament the remaining challenges and hurdles that continue to impede our efforts to reach the goals of an integrated and prosperous Africa. As we push towards the mark of celebrating another 50 years, let us seize the opportunities of the “African Moment” - Africa that is on the rise – Africa on the move as the next frontier!
- Written by: Ms. Marie Claire Tihib Kogda Somda, President of the United Nations African Ambassadors Spouses Group
Richly endowed with natural resources and with an exceptionally young population, Africa has everything to succeed. Africa needs the world, as the world needs Africa. Let's work together to make our continent a haven of peace and an island of prosperity, not only for the present generation but also for those to come.
- Written by: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
I place great importance on close ties between the United Nations, the African Union and the continent's regional and sub-regional organizations. These cover an increasingly broad range of activities – from peacekeeping and mediation to peacebuilding, electoral assistance and the rule of law; from economic and social empowerment to sustainable development.
- Written by: Hon. Salisu Ahmed Barau, Commissioner for Religion, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Tensions come as a result of misinterpretation of the religious books. At times ignorance and poverty play a greater role. Whatever are the causes, they boil down to misunderstanding and bias.
- Written by: Mark Brann, Secretary General, UPF-Europe
UPF-Europe Secretary General, Mark Brann, spoke of the relationship of Europe and Africa at an Africa Day program at the House of Lords in London on June 4. "
- Written by: Rev. Kennedy Masau Kakto
Many people will think, "Why does Christianity want to overcome the Islamic faith?" or "Why is the Islamic faith oppressing the Christians?" However bad the situation may be, there are people are who want to say "NO! That is not how we do it." There is a point that we started how to live together in peace.
- Written by: Joy Pople, UPF International
Every culture throughout the world affirms the crucial role of the family in promoting social integration, intergenerational solidarity, and a healthy society. The family is the school of love and the very foundation for a harmonious society. Calling it the school of love elevates the traditional image of the family, with family members cultivating their heart through the many dimensions of loving relationships.
- Written by: Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, President, Universal Peace Federation
If we consider the quest for peace throughout history, we should not ignore the role of religion. While religion is often cited, quite accurately, as a frequent contributor to conflict and violence, it has also, and more substantially served to advance the cause of peace in many profound and various ways, including its calls for practices such as non-violence, restraint of acquisitiveness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and just war theory. The human aspiration for peace has roots in religious ideals that are widely shared among the world’s religions, and which long pre-dated modern secular movements or ideologies.
- Written by: Mrs. Ulasi Ebele, National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons, Nigeria
Human trafficking is a complex activity that usually requires a group of criminal accomplices working together to achieve the ultimate purpose of producing a continuing stream of income from exploitation of vulnerable persons. It is one of the fastest growing areas of international criminal activity, according to the United Nations.
- Written by: Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, International Coordinator, Global Educators for All Initiative, Nigeria
Thank you for the opportunity to address this assembly on a critical issue that plaques not only our nation but many nations around the world. I have been requested to lead the discussion on national corruption and economic slavery in Nigeria with a focus on its burden for the future generation of Nigerians as well as the key issues promoting corruption and the steps we should take.
- Written by: Hon. Dong Won Lim, Former Minister of Unification, Republic of Korea
Commentary on Peace, Security, and Human Development on on the Korean Peninsula