UN General Assembly
1997

remain the conscience of the international community in the fight against poverty and misery, which afflict so many of the world’s people. Yet we face the stark reality that without peace, the fruits of development and the goals of economic and social justice will remain for them a distant dream. The numerous conflicts, both old and new, which darken the global political scene underline the need for a new urgency in the quest for peace, so wherever conflict exists we call on all concerned parties to redouble their efforts towards reconciliation and to accelerate the conditions for stability and economic and social progress for their people. But, as we look to the new millennium, we believe that prospects for an era of lasting peace must extend beyond traditional responses to conflict after they have erupted. The promotion of a “Culture of Peace”, launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), holds considerable promise. It focuses greater attention on prevention and addresses the cause of conflict at its roots. We share the view of