Secretary-General Kofi Annan rings the Japanese Peace Bell
in observance of the International Day of Peace
“From its Headquarters complex in New York, where Secretary-General Kofi Annan solemnly rang the Peace Bell, to its furthest outposts on the front-line of conflict prevention to cyberspace, the United Nations Wednesday celebrated the annual International Day of Peace with ceremonies around the world.
“Peace is the paramount United Nations mission,” Mr. Annan declared as he stood in front of the bell, a gift from Japan cast from the pennies donated by children from 60 nations, before driving the ringing beam into it three times. “It is the basis of our existence. The essence of our identity. The cause that animates everything we do.” [Read more]