To mark the International Day of Peace yesterday Tuesday, September 21, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) has called the governments and UN partners to do more to give to the young people a world of peace and of tolerance.

"Peace is precious. It must be nurtured, maintained, defended" wrote Ban Ki-moon in his message, adding "I promote tolerance, justice and human rights, and I campaign for harmony among countries and peoples".

For its part, Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN in Haiti, asked the young to invest more than ever in this crucial phase of reconstruction of their country, and not being deterred "by defeatism, passivity or resignation". He also urged young people to choose their destiny because it is their responsibility to "define their programs and priorities". The best contribution that every young person can do for Haiti is to "demonstrate passion, vision and creativity to achieve its objectives, whether in schools, universities, communities or the workplace".

Irina Bokova, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), meanwhile, called on governments, international organizations, associations, civil society and the private sector to work more earnestly to address cultural and religious divides "Gender equality must not be just a slogan but a reality for girls and women worldwide", stressing the importance of "take advantage of the energy of youth into the agents of change in society by peaceful means" reminding that peace and security are closely linked with the exercise of fundamental freedoms.

S/ HaitiLibre