• World Harmony Run

    World's Largest Torch Relay
    World Harmony Run

  • 1,000,000 Participants

    Across 6 Continents
    1,000,000 Participants

  • Dreaming of a more harmonious world

    100 countries
    Dreaming of Harmony

  • Schools And Kids

    Make a Wish for Peace
    Schools And Kids

  • Sri Chinmoy: World Harmony Run Founder

    World Harmony Run Founder
    Sri Chinmoy

  • Carl Lewis: World Harmony Run Spokesman

    World Harmony Run Spokesman
    Carl Lewis

  • New York, USA

    New York
    USA

  • London, Great Britain

    London
    Great Britain

  • Shakhovskaya, Russia

    Shakhovskaya
    Russia

  • Around Australia

    15,000 kms, 100 days
    Around Australia

  • Around Ireland

    14 Days, 1500km
    Around Ireland

  • Wanaka, New Zealand

    Wanaka
    New Zealand

  • Arjang, Norway

    Arjang
    Norway

  • Rekjavik, Iceland

    Rekjavik
    Iceland

  • Beijing, China

    Beijing
    China

  • Prague, Czech Republic

    Prague
    Czech Republic

  • Belgrade, Serbia

    Belgrade
    Serbia

  • Lake Biwa, Japan

    Lake Biwa
    Japan

  • Kapsait, Ethiopia

    Kapsait
    Kenya

  • Pangkor Island, Malaysia

    Pangkor Island
    Malaysia

  • Bali, Indonesia

    Bali
    Indonesia

  • The All Blacks, New Zealand

    The All Blacks
    New Zealand

UN Secretary-General and UNESCO Director General IYRC Statements

Below are excerpts related to the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures from:

  • United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon statement and message to WHR volunteer coordinators assembled for interntional launch;
  • UNESCO Director General,  Ms. Irina Bokova statement;
  • Message from the President of UNESCO General Conference to all WHR participants;
  • the Unesco strategy  for the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures; as well as
  • links to others' statements and messages


Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon gave the following message:

"The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures is an important initiative. During the year, we will be celebrating cultural diversity and showing how intercultural dialogue and understanding are essential for a more peaceful world. We will also be highlighting the crucial role of culture in development. Let us work together to make the Year a resounding success."

In a letter to the World Harmony Run, the Secretary General conveyed his "best wishes for the success of the event" to all the volunteer coordinators assembled for the international launch in New York on April 12.


In her comments regarding the year Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO stated,

"The resultant cross-fertilization of our societies offers new opportunities to strengthen the ties between peoples, nations and cultures " she continued, "Exchange and dialogue between cultures are the best tools for building peace."


Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of UNESCO offered the following words of support to all participants of the World Harmony Run.

"The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures presents a wonderful opportunity to creatively celebrate cultural diversity and its role in forging ties between cultures and people. There is great value in bringing together different kinds of people, different forces, different views, different religions, and different beliefs...

"By carrying a torch to over 100 nations this year, World Harmony Run reinforces the goals and objectives of 2010: International Year, and provides a chance for all participants to expand their awareness and living experiences of other cultures. It is indeed an excellent opportunity to develop an appreciation of diversity through art, culture and sports. This communal sharing of our hopes and dreams is fundamental for building the foundations of peace and harmony...

"I wish all the organizers and participants in the World Harmony Run many successful events and joyful shared experiences. May your activity contribute to the global recognition of the intrinsic relationship between sustainable development and the promotion of cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and a culture of peace." Full Message


Other IYRC Messages and Statements


We will incorporate into our efforts the UNESCO strategy for 2010:

(i) promoting reciprocal knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity;

(ii) building a framework for commonly shared values; equal dignity of cultures, mutual respect and the strengthening of cooperation for lasting peace.

LInk to UNESCO website.

 

 


See also: