According to a report from the UN, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the gathering was taking place at a unique moment: on the last Friday of Ramadan, as Christians celebrate Easter, Jews mark the end of Passover, and Sikhs enjoy the festival of Vaisakhi.
“Even the calendar is sending a message of unity,” he remarked. “Today, at this blessed moment of renewal across faiths, let us lift our hearts and voices for peace – our guiding star and our most precious goal.”
Mr. Guterres said peace is needed today more than ever before, as war and conflict unleash devastating poverty and hunger, forcing tens of millions from their homes.
The entire planet is battling climate chaos, and even peaceful countries are facing “gaping inequalities and political polarization”, he added.
“Let us hold firm to the common faith that unites the human family,” he said. “Let us come together as communities and countries. Let us pray for peace.”
The ceremony was held on the Visitors’ Plaza at the UN Secretariat in front of the iconic Knotted Gun sculpture, which has become a symbol of the Organization’s commitment to global peace.
UN staff, members of the diplomatic community, and visitors at the UN were among those in attendance. Representatives from major religions led prayers, and a moment of silence was observed to include those from secular backgrounds and to remember vulnerable people worldwide affected by conflict.
UN News spoke to Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, an Episcopal Priest in New York City, who represented Christianity. She was honored to be praying for peace alongside counterparts from different faiths.
“It is an opportunity to express the long-time resources for peace that world religious traditions have to offer and in so doing, very much are in keeping with the goals of the United Nations,” she said.
