Director-General's remarks at the Celebration of Eid Al-Adha
Celebration of Eid Al-Adha
Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 1.00 p.m.
Door 40, 2nd Floor, Building E, Palais des Nations
Ambassador Binkhothaila,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor to join you today for the celebration of Eid Al-Adha. The Festival of Sacrifice is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar and is a time of coming together, sharing, and helping.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son is a timeless testament to faith and selflessness, reminding us of the transformative power of belief and the importance of putting others before ourselves.
I wish to thank the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for organizing this celebration here at the Palais des Nations and for reminding International Geneva about the values of sacrifice, devotion, and altruism that this festival embodies for millions of Muslims around the world.
In our interconnected world, the spirit of Eid Al-Adha resonates beyond religious and cultural boundaries. It calls upon each of us to strengthen global solidarity, recognize our shared humanity, and work collectively towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. At its core is the recognition that the challenges we face – from poverty and inequality to climate change and conflict – are interconnected and require a multilateral response.
Equality and non-discrimination lay at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. To ensure a more sustainable and equitable development, we must prioritize the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable among us.
This means investing in healthcare, education, and social protection systems that protect the most disadvantaged groups. It also means fostering economic growth that benefits all, not just the privileged. And finally, it means taking bold and concerted actions to address the aggravating climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The United Nations, through its various agencies and programs, is committed to supporting these efforts. Here at the United Nations Office at Geneva, we are dedicated to facilitating peace negotiations, fostering multilateral cooperation, and driving global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Working together, we can foster the transformative change the world so urgently needs.
As we celebrate Eid Al-Adha, let us be inspired by its message of empathy, selflessness, and solidarity. Let us embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, to help those in need, and to contribute to a more just and equitable world.
I wish all Muslims around the world a blessed and peaceful Eid Al-Adha.
Thank you.
This speech is part of a curated selection from various official events and is posted as prepared.