Message for concert to celebrate Iranian New Year

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:


It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for this unique concert organized by the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As you know, Iran is an active contributor to our Cultural Activities Programme. This is not only an illustration of Iran’s rich cultural heritage but also of a belief in the value of cultural engagement to further understanding and tolerance.

Today, we celebrate the Iranian New Year. The beginning of a new year is an opportunity for reviewing past achievements, re-assessing priorities and practices and revitalizing. This year, as the United Nations celebrates its 60th anniversary, also represents an opportunity for our Organization to review and renew. Indeed, the theme of our 60th anniversary celebrations is “UN 60: time for renewal”.

Yesterday, the Secretary-General launched his report entitled “In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all”. This report is an important contribution to the efforts to reform and renew the Organization for it to better meet the challenges of the 21st century. As the Secretary-General clearly states, now is the time to act. If we act boldly – and if we act together – we can make people everywhere more secure, more prosperous and better able to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

The active involvement and firm commitment of our Member States is critical if we are to succeed. As the Secretary-General stresses, “from pragmatic beginnings could emerge a change of direction in our world. That is our opportunity and our challenge”.

Let us use the occasion of the New Year to seize that opportunity and meet that challenge. Together.