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

• for 2011 - 2013 and beyond
• video excerpt on youtube for 2011 and beyond
• for 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures

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• Video excerpt of Davidson Hepburn's message for 2011 and beyond on youtube:

 

 

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• For 2011 to 2013 and beyond: (excerpt)

"As we look toward the future, I am reminded of the message of my dear friend Sri Chinmoy, founder of the Run, which can strengthen us on our way forward. He said that world harmony and world peace are "the realities, divine realities and supreme realities." Dynamic activities such as yours have demonstrated the reality of peace across the globe. Yet there is still so much to do, and I believe the World Harmony Run has only just begun to demonstrate its capacity to help create a better world. In this spirit I encourage you to continue, and to go beyond the great successes of previous years.

Your support of the UN and UNESCO's goals during the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2010) significantly engaged many NGOs, civil society groups and individuals. This broad support is critical to our success. As future activities and events are identified by UNESCO and the United Nations to further strengthen the culture of peace, appreciation for diversity and interfaith cooperation, I know the participants in the World Harmony Run will continue to play a significant role in carrying these messages and providing opportunities for local expression around the world.

Importantly, many schools and summer camp programmes eagerly participate in the Run. Youth involvement complements the UN and UNESCO-supported International Year of Youth and its theme of dialogue and mutual understanding, being celebrated through August of 2011. By encouraging young people to express their aspirations for harmony today, the World Harmony Run is surely building the foundation for a culture of peace tomorrow.

I was delighted to see the Run visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in recent years, creatively drawing attention to the efforts of the international community to protect the unique offerings of so many cultures around the world. You perform a great service by encouraging people to experience and value the heritage of others.

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I wish you continued success as you expand your efforts, guided by Sri Chinmoy's visionary spirit, to encourage active world citizenship from individuals on all continents. I am certain that initiatives such as the World Harmony Run contribute significantly to the realisation of one of UNESCO's principal mandates: mutual understanding and our shared determination to build and strengthen a culture of peace and harmony.

Davidson L. Hepburn

Full message: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/beyond2011  

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• For 2010 IYRC: (excerpt)

"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

 

 

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