For information only - not an official document
UNIS/SGSM/509
20 March 2014
VIENNA, 21 March (United Nations Information Service) - Nowruz is a time when millions of people from Western, Central and South Asia and other regions around the world come together, as they have for over 3000 years, to celebrate the New Year and first day of spring.
Inscribed in 2009 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Nowruz reminds us of the values and aspirations we all share for peace through tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. Expressed in a rich array of ways across the world, Nowruz embodies the power of cultural heritage to build bridges between people. It also celebrates diversity as a strength and as the foundation for a more peaceful and sustainable world. At this time of global change, when all societies face new pressures, the need for solidarity between all people and harmony with our planet has never been more essential.
On this International Day of Nowruz, I call on every woman and man to carry forward this message of peace, unity and renewal that stands at the heart of the mission of the United Nations and at the heart of the Nowruz celebrations.
Happy Nowruz to all!
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