U n i t e d f o r a c u lt u r e o f p e a c e

Through Interfaith Harmony

The World Peace Prayer Society（ワールド ピース プレヤー ソサエティ）は、
1988年に米国の教育法人として設立され、以来May Peace Prevail on Earth（世界人類が平和でありますように）の宗教・民族・信条を問わない人類共通の平和の祈りのメッセージを広める様々な活動を提唱し、草の根の平和運動を推進しています。

1990年以来、国連NGOとして登録され、国連での活動も行ってきております。

ⓒUN Photo/ Devra Berkowitz

国連特別行事UNITED FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE

Through Interfaith Harmony〜 宗 教 間 の 調 和 を 通 じ た 平 和 の 文 化 の た め の 結 束 〜

Presented By
H.E. MR. VUK JEREMIĆ

President of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)The Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations
The United Nations
General Assembly Hall
Thursday, February 14, 2013

May Peace Prevail on EarthInt r o d u c t i o nOn February 14, 2013, a unique and uplifting occasion in the United Nations
General Assembly Hall brought together the religions and nations of the world,“United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony.”
H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić, President of the 67th General Assembly, hosted the event
as a demonstration of his commitment to presiding over “an assembly of peace.” Theevent was co-sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United
Nations, with the support of The World Peace Prayer Society and The Goi Peace
Foundation.
Six UN Missions—Guatemala, Jordan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and New
Zealand—joined as co-sponsors, with Libya, the Philippines, Samoa, and Zimbabwe
adding their support. Numerous NGO coalitions offered their collaboration as well.
“United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony” was built on thefoundation of three important UN resolutions that signaled an emergent spirit ofcooperation:◆ Resolution A/Res/65/5 proclaiming the first week in February as theannual World Interfaith Harmony Week;◆ Resolution A/Res/67/104 on the Promotion of Interreligious andIntercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace;◆ Resolution A/Res/67/106 on the Follow-up to the Declaration
and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

In 2012, the President of the 66th General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz
Al-Nasser, in cooperation with the Committee of Religious NGOs, organized a major
event honoring World Interfaith Harmony Week in the UN General Assembly Hall
titled “Common Ground for the Common Good.”
When H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić became President of the 67th General Assembly thefollowing year, he decided to build upon the previous World Interfaith Harmony Week
event with something very special in 2013. The program would include a Symphony ofPeace Prayers from the major religions of the world, plus a World Peace Flag Ceremonyin which the flag of every UN Member State and Observer State would be raised in the
General Assembly Hall with a message of peace.
The title “United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony” was chosen,
recognizing the vital role of interfaith relations in fostering a global culture of peace.
The date agreed upon by all of the partners was February 14, 2013. One week afterWorld Interfaith Harmony Week, it was fitting to hold a program inspired by theGeneral Assembly resolution calling for unity based on “love of God and love of one’s
neighbour, or love of the Good and love of one’s neighbour” on Valentines Day.
This three-hour historic event—featuring eminent speakers from the United
Nations, Member States, and NGOs, plus religious representatives and musicians—drew to the General Assembly Hall more than 1500 people, including 500 highschool students and 195 international flag bearers.
The stage was set for something magnificent to happen.
A video of World Interfaith Harmony Week events, produced by Korean Conference on
Religion and Peace, was shown immediately prior to the event.

H . E . M r . V u k J e r em i Ć

President of the 67th Session of the UN General AssemblyAt the beginning, allow me to express my deep appreciation to UNESCO and the Committee of
Religious NGOs for joining me in hosting this event, entitled “United for a Culture of Peace ThroughInterfaith Harmony.”
I would also like to thank all of the Permanent Missions and Observers that have lent their support
to today’s proceedings, as well as to all the NGO groups that have helped in the organization.
I wish all of you a very warm welcome to the General Assembly…
I believe that people of faith should genuinely focus on the core ethical tenets we hold in common.
We ought to re-embrace the calls of our respective faiths for individuals to show respect for all andcompassion for the most vulnerable, notwithstanding their differences, in recognition of God’s image not
only in ourselves but in everyone else—however they may worship and wherever they may live.
Let us reach out to one another, on equal footing, and truly work on healing the wounds of centuries
of conflict between peoples of different religions—vigilantly mindful of the danger that the ills andgrievances of bygone centuries—if they continue to be reawakened—can engulf us in a maelstrom of
unmatched ferocity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we are humbly taking a small step towards overcoming strife and hatred in the name ofreligion, advancing efforts for this august body to truly become an Assembly of Peace—in adherence towhat a great statesman once described as “the better angels of our nature.”

Excerpted from Speech

H . E . M R . J an E l i a s s o nADeputy Secretary-Generalof the United Nationst a time when too many communities and too many countries
are being split apart by strife between religious groups, thisinitiative is an important chance to reach across divides. We want
to reclaim faith as an instrument of peace…
All of the world’s great religions share the values of peace,
human dignity and respect for others. The United Nations isproud to uphold and represent these values. We actively defend
religious freedom and work to protect minorities. We welcome
opportunities to join forces with people of faith who are working
for peace, development, human rights and the rule of law.
No matter where we are, no matter what we work or struggle with, and no matter what religion we
practice, we are bound together by human bonds and by interdependence in a globalized world…
We often, and rightly, use words like respect, tolerance and understanding during World InterfaithHarmony Week. But for this celebration and commemoration to really succeed, we have to use thesewords all year long, not only during this one week. We have to work every day to translate these words topractical action for peace, development and the right to life in dignity for all.

Excerpted from Speech

May Peace Prevail on EarthMay Peace Prevail on EarthTHE ROLE OF INTERFAITH HARMONY IN THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
S p e e ch E x c e rpts
Angela Kane, UN High Representative for Disarmament AffairsH

ere at the United Nations, there has always been a certain tension between the collective ideals of thisOrganization and the individual behaviours of its Member States. Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
can help in bringing these into closer alignment.
It is well documented that religious institutions have already contributed greatly to peace-building
operations. They have played an indispensable role in the restoration of trust and confidence between
people who are recovering from armed conflicts, as seen in the disarmament, demobilization, andreintegration process.
They have also demonstrated their enthusiastic support for global nuclear disarmament—and
I would like to note here that the word “enthusiasm” derives from its root meaning, “having divine
inspiration”…
This combination of interfaith harmony and a growing harmony between the world’s religions andthe work of the United Nations has enormous potential to advance the security and welfare of all people.
This is an inspiring thought indeed, as we commemorate “Interfaith Harmony Week” in this greatchamber. It brightens the prospects for better worlds yet to come.

Philippe Kridelka, Director, UNESCO New York OfficeIntercultural and interreligious or interfaith dialogue is an indispensable foundation for peace tosucceed. It is the responsibility of societies, and of religious leaders, to nurture solidarity through a rich
web of relationships…
For UNESCO, the major aim of interreligious dialogue, as a part of the wider interculturaldialogue, is to enhance understanding between individuals, believers and non-believers as well as
between leaders of different religions, faiths and convictions. Acting as a humanistic hub, we work tofoster mutual knowledge and understanding about spiritual traditions and their underlying values. Thisis the best approach to enlarge the space for harmonious coexistence in our contemporary multiculturalsocieties…
UNESCO will spare no efforts to accompany our UN partners, governments, the media, religious
leaders, and civil society to lay the ground for an “everyday peace.” Above all, as all corners of the planet
are now interconnected, what matters is to disseminate the values of peace, harmony and dialogue sothat they become the shared heritage of all humanity.

H.E. Mrs. Byrganym Aitimova,
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations

T

he United Nations was primarily set up to address violence between nations. It has become urgent torethink the intellectual and moral foundations of progress, and reaffirm the humanistic values thatshould inspire the attitudes, personal values, worldview, behavior, and actions that generate global peaceand shared prosperity, all stemming from religion and spirituality…
Everyday peace is created and kindled in communities and at a grassroots level—in the school
and university, in the church, mosque, synagogue, and temple, which are the citadels of the moral
and intellectual solidarity of humankind. Our challenge is to continue to tap and build on the alreadydemonstrated great potential of religious leaders and faith-based organizations and movements toconstruct training in conflict resolution, to engage in mediation and conflict prevention, organize postconflict reconstruction and reconciliation, and humanitarian relief together with political actors, theprivate sector, the scientific community, media, the arts, and civil society…
Kazakhstan is committed to work with the multilateral platform of the United Nations to bring forward
interfaith-based initiatives between different countries and cultures, so as to make sustainable peace thecustodian of humankind’s sustainable future.

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Nathanael Symeonides, Greek Orthodox Archdioceseof America and Pastor of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox ChurchIt is truly a profound honor and privilege to stand before and present to this most auspicious assemblyof men and women who share the belief that peace, and not violence, should be used to end conflict,
and who believe that religion has an integral role to play to this end…
Religious leaders across the countless faith traditions must take the initiative and raise their voices
against violence, and should never view violence as a way to end conflict…
For us to overcome cross-cultural disputes, it is important to identify common ground and sharedvalues. Promoting values through conflict resolution processes will assist in creating overarching goals,
needs, and interests, as well as producing lasting outcomes. In addition, promoting values will pave theway for addressing the root causes of cross-cultural conflicts.
Religion can help us define these shared values.

May Peace Prevail on Earth

H.E. Mr. Libran N. Cabactulan,
Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations

Today marks an important occasion for all of us.
We are gathered in a very special place for a very special reason, to send a clear message to theentire world: we are united in our desire and commitment to bring our world’s many peoples closer
together in greater harmony, lasting peace, mutual understanding and deep respect…
Our special event today, in fact, builds on the intent of the resolution A/Res/67/104 of the same
title in this year’s General Assembly. As the Philippines has always maintained, special events such asthese are important occasions to reaffirm, renew and raise the level of awareness on fostering a cultureof peace based on genuine dialogue. On the heels of the Interfaith Harmony Week commemorated inmany parts of the world, our event today brings our world’s peoples together—in fact and in powerful
symbolic act later today…
When we leave this august hall today, it is my fervent wish that we do so with hearts and minds
that seek to strengthen the culture of peace, seeking our brothers and sisters of different cultures, faithtraditions and civilizations—indeed, of different races, color, ideologies and positions—intent onunderstanding each other and respecting each other, with an unflagging zeal to learn from the many
wonders of the diverse beings of our fellow men and women.

Kiran Bali, Global Council Chair, United Religions Initiative (URI)

I

nterfaith cooperation helps to weave a stronger, more durable fabric of community. It is a beautiful
rainbow celebrating the many distinct shades, all side by side, whilst expressing a powerful oneness…
Our diversity does not have to divide, rather we must work to nurture the flame of unity in orderto ensure the transformation of our planet into a safer, healthier and more just world…
To help fulfil the vision of World Interfaith Harmony Week, and, indeed, the goals of the United
Nations, isn’t it time to redouble our efforts to support the leadership of women at every level of humansociety?…
We must lend our voice to the restoration of dignity for women, to securing their rights underinternational law and to ensuring their economic empowerment. We must stand together to prevent
women and girls from being used as tools of war. The Protection, Participation and Promotion of
women is paramount, regardless of religion, colour or creed.

H.E. Dr. T. Hamid Al-Bayati,
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations

I

began to read all the holy books—the Qu’ran, the Bible, the Torah, the Tanach, which is the Jewish
bible—and I realized that all religions, all holy books, all prophets and messengers, came from the same
Source, which is the same God we worship when we go to the mosque, to the church, to the synagogue,
to the temple, because there is only one God who created all of us… I encourage all of you to read all ofthese holy books.
We all come from Adam and Eve: we are one big family. All religions relate to each other, andscience has proven that we are all brothers and sisters…
The message of all religions, all holy books, all prophets, is to love each other, not to hurt eachother, and to help people who are poor and needy. That is the main message of every single religion inthis world, and every prophet and messenger who was sent by God…
I am grateful to all the organizers of this important meeting… In the UN we have theresponsibility of spreading the message of peace, the message that we should be united for a culture ofpeace through interfaith harmony.

Dr. Patrick Chi Ping Ho,
Deputy Chairman and Secretary General, China Energy Fund CommitteeWe Chinese are aspiring to a new and peaceful world civilization based on principles of benevolence,
respect, trust, equality, and continuing human advancement.
This vision, driven by humanity’s historic longing for peace and prosperity, is renewed by ourappreciation that all of us on this earth of ours share a common fate that each and every one of us has
the responsibility to defend, and the sensibility to safeguard…
Peace, a core value in ancient Chinese Confucian teachings, can today serve as an effective bridgebuilder between faiths, cultures, civilizations, and nations…
Confucian philosophy presupposes three “biospheres” of human interactions: Heaven, Earth, andHumans. And Man must find peace in all three…
Let us find peace by loving one another as we love ourselves, and by respecting and loving one
another’s country as we respect and love our own country.
Such is my vision and prayer today.

May Peace Prevail on EarthSY M P H O N Y O F P E AC E P R AY E RS

Masami Saionji, Chairperson

The World Peace Prayer Society andByakko Shinko Kai

It is with tremendous joy that I introduce
this second part of the program, the“Symphony of Peace Prayers.”
For more than 50 years, membersof Byakko Shinko Kai in Japan, andsupporters of The World Peace Prayer
Society worldwide, have been praying every
day for the peace of the world. Buildingon these many years of prayers, the first
Symphony of Peace Prayers was heldin 2005 at Fuji Sanctuary in Japan. This
unique ceremony brings together people

from different religions and cultures to praywith one voice for peace on Earth. It is now
celebrated in 52 countries, with a total ofover one million participants joining the
movement worldwide.
Every religion has its prayer for peacethat is equally noble and sacred. We know
from our own experience, how beautiful,
moving and magical it is to hear thesespoken prayers of different melody create amost wonderful harmony. Our spirits rejoicein oneness transcending all our differences.
Prayer is love. It is light, power andthe energy for regeneration. Prayer helps
awaken the spark of divinity within eachhuman being. That is why I had the vision
to start the Symphony of Peace Prayers,
so that each and every human being canunite in prayers to create a grand symphony
together.
I am so grateful that the spirit of
the Symphony of Peace Prayers has been
embraced by the UN community. Today,

Hindu: Swami Parameshananda,
Bharat Sevashram Sangha

eleven representatives of various religions
and spiritual traditions will offer theirprayers and readings in the first Symphonyof Peace Prayers at the United Nations.
If we are to create true peaceand harmony on earth, we must movebeyond dualistic thinking and elevate ourconsciousness. The prayers of many faiths
that will be offered here at the United
Nations shall help us transcend the walls of
separation and bring new inspiration to theglobal community. I firmly believe that thiswill be a historic event to open the door toa bright and peaceful future.
Each one of you is a precious
existence for creating a world at peace. Let
us quiet our mind and send energies of loveand healing to the Earth, humanity, theseas, the mountains, and all living things.
Let us together resonate a magnificent
Symphony of Peace Prayers out into theuniverse.

Excerpted from Speech

Representatives of eleven indigenous and faith traditions each offered a prayer for peacein a beautiful and moving Symphony of Peace Prayers.
Indigenous: Tuwe Huni Kuin,
Amazon Indigenous

Haska bestiki
Petxakamaki

We meditate on the glory of the Creator of the
Universe, who is worthy of worship, who is theembodiment of light, knowledge and wisdom, the remover of sin
and ignorance. May He open our hearts and enlighten our intellect,
and take us together to salvation.

Humanist: Lucy Schmitz, National Ethical
Service, Ethical Culture Society

In our Holy Book, the Qur’an, it says the people were once one
community; they did not know colors as a division. They only knewthat they were from one and from the same life.

We believe that the most urgent act one
can take today is to recognize humanity’s
potential to reach a new age where all
together seek the wayof the common good.
We affirm the absolute worth of each person
no matter his or her circumstance, station or location. No matterhis or her creed, orientation or age. No matter his or her abilities
or needs. We affirm that it is each person’s responsibility to makethis intrinsic worth known and felt by each person individually,and by our community as a whole.

Jain: Apeksha Vora, Youth Member,
Anuvrat Global Organisation (Anuvibha)

주시옵고, 이웃을 사랑하는 마음과

Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti!

저희들에게 지혜의 눈을 열어 주시어 모순된현실에서 벗어나 함께 손잡고 행복하게 살게하여살아갈수 있도록 이끌어 주시옵소서세상의 모든 사람들이 부처님처럼 평화로워지기를 기도 드립니다.

May there be peace in the universe.
Jai Jinendra!

나무서가모님불 나무서가모니불 나무서가모니불

Bahá’í: Carolina Vasquez,
Bahá’í International Community
O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We
created you all from the same dust?
That no one should exalt himself over the other.
Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye werecreated. Since We have created you all fromone same substance it is incumbent on you tobe even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same
mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being,by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of
detachment may be made manifest.
Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light!
Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness fromthe tree of wondrous glory.
— Bahá’u’lláh

Christian: Rev. Kathleen Stone,
United Methodist Church
God, ….
May we be reconciled.
Embracing the alien, the enemy in our arms,
our lives, our way.
May we create the festival of peace andreconciliation with just and generous
relationships
And may finally, the wolf lie downwith the lambSo that the whole of life on earth
might rejoice and live in harmony
In the splendor of your glory.
Adapted from Margaret Nash, “May Anger and Fear Turn to Love”
in Desmond Tutu, An African Prayer Book (Walker and Company, NY)

May Peace Prevail on Earth

We witness the God as one having no
associates, and we witness our beloved prophet
Mohammed, the prayers of peace be upon him,
God’s servant and messenger… I ask Him forwords that will bring peace, harmony and goodness,
and not bring harm.
I greet you, the noble and honorable people and leaders, with thegreetings from my religion, al Islam, the religion that I have chosen,
upon my own free will…

나눔을 통한 실천으로 온 인류가 더욱 평화롭게자비와 지혜로 세상을 살피시는 거룩하신 부처님

Bismillah ar-rahman ar-rahim: With God’s name,the merciful benefactor, the redeemer.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti!
Hari Om.

Ṇamō arihantāṇaṁ
Ṇamō siddhāṇaṁ
Ṇamō āyariyāṇaṁ
Ṇamō uvajjhāyāṇaṁ
Ṇamō lōē savva sāhūṇaṁ
Ēsōpan̄caṇamōkkārō
Savvapāvappaṇāsaṇō
Maṅgalā ṇaṁ ca savvēsiṁ
Paḍamama havaī maṅgalaṁ

Buddhist: Ven. Seong Won, Director ofSocial Affairs, Korean Zen Buddhism

Haux, Haux,...
Haska kenan, hanu ikarakashun ea ninkakawen!
En matu hansha akairan.
Na Epa Kuxipa inu Yuxibu xarabu nuku
merabewa
unanuma hiwei unanuma daya
unanuma dayakin nukun Ni duawakin nukun yuinaka duawakin
nukun Hene duawakin, nukunabu hati hiweabu duawabaina kawe.

Om bhur bhuvah svah
tat-savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhimahi
dhiyo yo nah pracodayat. Om.

Muslim: Imam Izak-EL M. Pasha,
Masjid Malcolm Shabazz

Jewish: Rabbi Michael Weisser,
Free Synagogue of Flushing

A symphony, a harmony of peace.
May God’s peace be upon us.
As-salamu alaykum.

Sikh: Jatinder Singh, Regional Director,
United Sikhs
Ik Oankaar, Satnaam (There is Only One God,
God’s Name is the Ultimate Truth). In this age of
darkness, this world is loaded with maya, money,
and weapons of mass destruction.
The only answer to save this world is prayers in
the company of saints.
In the company of saints, all enemies become friends,
In the company of saints, one becomes very pure in life,
In the company of saints, one is enemy of none,
In the company of saints, one does not have tendency for evil deeds,
BecauseIn the company of saints, one does not consider anybody as bad or evil,
In the company of saints, one comes to realize that Lord of thehighest bliss is residing in every person,
In the company of saints, one does not have the fever of ego or pride,
In the company of saints, one deserts all pride, that is I, me, myself, etc.,
says Guru Nanak.
I truly hope one day, all the countries can get together at the United
Nations, just to pray for world peace only.
Thank you. Sat Sri Akal.

Zoroastrian: Nina Mistry, Federation of
Zoroastrian Associations of North Americavainît ahmi nmânesraoshô asrushtîm
âxshtish anâxshtîm
râitish arâitîm
ârmaitish tarômaitîm
arshuxdhô vâxshmithaoxtem vâcim
asha-drujem‫דחי םגםיחא תבש םיענ המו בוט המ הנה‬.

How good it is and how pleasant when sisters
and brothers live together in unity.

‫ךרמשיו יי ךכרבי‬.
‫ךנחיו ךילא וינפ יי ראי‬.
‫םולש ךל םשיו ךילא וינפ יי אשי‬.

May God bless us and keep us.
May God cause the light of the Divine Presence shine on us
and grace us.
May God lift the Divine Presence to us andgrant us the blessing of inner peace.

‫ןוצר יהי ןכ‬.

May this be God’s desire. Amen.

In this house
May the acceptance smite defiance
Peace triumph over discord
Generosity over greed
Devotion over arrogance
Honest discussion dominate over falsehood.
May righteousness prevailOver evil of lies.
—Yasna Verse 60.5

May Peace Prevail on EarthW ORLD P E AC E F L AG C E R E M O N Y

Hiroo Saionji, President

The World Peace Prayer Society and
The Goi Peace FoundationFor over half a century, we have been
spreading the universal message “May
Peace Prevail on Earth” as a way to unite
the hearts of humanity, transcending all
boundaries of culture, religion and politics.
Next to me here is a Peace Pole withthe words “May Peace Prevail on Earth”
written in the six UN official languages.
Today, there are over two hundred
thousand Peace Poles in almost every
country, carrying the message of peace indifferent languages.
The World Peace Flag Ceremony isanother way we share the spirit of the peace
message. In this ceremony, we express ourwish for the peace and happiness of every
country, as its flag is presented one by one.
It has been performed all over the world in
various settings, including the ceremony
held in this UN General Assembly Hallin 1990. We believe that honoring andrespecting one’s country and othercountries alike, is the fundamental spirit ofworld peace…
Seen from the universe, the Earth islike a radiant living entity with no borders.
We human beings as well as animals, plants
and other forms of life are all part of thisliving entity, and it is our mission andresponsibility to pass on a peaceful andbeautiful planet to the next generation.
There are about 7 billion people
in over 190 countries, with numerous
ethnic groups, thousands of languages
and thousands of religions existing on thisEarth today. We are all unique beings with

our own cultures, traditions, customs andbeliefs. Peace does not require that we all
be the same. A true culture of peace is built
when we come to understand and respect
our differences and appreciate our diversity.
It is like an orchestra with the sounds ofvarious instruments playing together tocreate a beautiful harmony.
In the World Peace Flag Ceremony,
which we are about to perform, we will
enjoy the many colors of the world’s
nations. We are especially delighted that theflags will be raised by UN staff members,international college students and othervolunteers—many of them a native of thatcountry in their national costume.
Beginning with the invocation, “May
Peace Prevail on Earth,” I invite you all tooffer a call for peace in each of the 193 UN
Member States and two Observer States.
Let us together give voice to our common
goal of international harmony and peace on
Excerpted from Speech
Earth.

Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, Wife of UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The flag ceremony was one of the most touching ceremonies I haveever taken part in: it made the act of praying for peace and interfaithunderstanding very literal, tangible, and interactive. An entire room
full of distinguished people shouted, “May peace be in Afghanistan!
May peace be in Albania!” all the way through the alphabet. I loved
it! And, it was doubly as special since Ms.Vanderbauwhede was in it,
representing Belgium! The rest of my classmates and I were so proud
to see our teacher representing her country.
Lily Calcagnini, Student
Convent of the Sacred Heart School

The entire audience sent a call for peace to each country by name as its flag was presented.
The World Peace Flag Ceremony closed with “May peace be in the United Nations. May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

Dr. Noel J. Brown and Dr. Maki Kawamura

When the flags of the 193 UN member states and two observer
missions were individually presented, the enthusiastic audience
joined in saying, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Full out Peace wasin that large United Nations room. Full out Joy. Full out Love.
At that moment, the world came together.
Peace, Love, and Light,
Barbara Wolf
Global Meditations Network

May Peace Prevail on EarthMay Peace Prevail on EarthPERFORMING ARTISTS
It was as memorable for me as it was for our students! You cannot imagine
the expressions on their faces as they told me, prior to boarding the bus,of how meaningful the experience was and how it was a highlight of their
lifetime, and so on. Their enthusiasm was truly off-the-charts!… All of theprayers, thoughts and actions in the direction of peace prevailing on thisEarth were anchored in the collective consciousness and will reflect backon our planet in a powerful way!
Dr. Jo Anne Murphy, Office of Global Learning
Fairleigh Dickinson University (team of 60 international flag bearers)

Junior Four Chorus of the United Nations International School
Sharon Tan, Director

UN Photo: Devra Berkowitz

Singers from Sri Chinmoy
The Peace Meditation at the United Nations“Shalom” • “Assalam Alaykum Wa Alayna / May I Be an Instrument of
Peace” • “Bwana Awabariki”

Masami Saionji spoke of the vision and importance of the Symphonyof Peace Prayers, and of the historic nature of having this event in the
General Assembly Hall. Prayer helps awaken the spark of divinity withineach human being, she stressed. Following her introduction, prayers
were offered from the following traditions by women and men, younger
and older, from many different countries—Indigenous, Bahá’í, Buddhist,
Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian.
The prayers were brief. Each one was moving. Together they offered a
powerful experience of the luminous, numinous best of interfaith respectand sharing.
Rev. Charles Gibbs, Executive Director
United Religions Initiative

United for a Culture of Peace Through Interfaith Harmony was a beautiful
and inspiring stand and celebration for Peace! Thank you for showing us
once again that we are one in heart and spirit. I am so happy I could join
you by way of UN TV and our interconnected spirit. The Culture of Peaceis on the move and its light shines through you. Well done!
David Wick
Pathways To Peace

Thank you for this opportunity—the children had a very meaningfulexperience. Many parents and people in the audience were teary-eyed andtouched by the entire program.
Katrina Saporsantos, Soprano
Benjamin Dia, Piano“Payapang Daigdig” • “What a Wonderful World”

Chris Farrell, Piano
World Peace Flag Ceremony

Unity Made Visible Interfaith Choir

The United Nations
Peace Mandalawelcomed everyone
into the lobby of
the United Nations.
Members of Byakko
Shinko Kai in Japan
created the mandalaby prayerfully writing
the name of eachcountry and the word
“peace” in its national
language.

“We Are a Testimony / May Peace Prevail on Earth” • “This Little Lightof Mine” • “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

May Peace Prevail on Earth

Mr. and Mrs. Saionji meet with the President of
the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly,
H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić.

Sharon Tan, Director
Junior Four Chorus, UN International School

UN Photo: Devra Berkowitz

Jon Blond, Flute
Symphony of Peace Prayers

Monica Willard, President of the Committeeof Religious NGOs at the United Nations,
thanks all the sponsors, organizers, UN staff,
and participants.

May Peace Prevail on Earth

Deborah Moldow, Representative to the UN
for The World Peace Prayer Society, and Mr.
Hiroo Saionji, President of The World Peace
Prayer Society and The Goi Peace Foundation,
express their appreciation at a reception
following the event.

U n i t e d f o r a c u lt u r e o f p e a c e

Through Interfaith Harmony
Co - Sp o n s o r e d By:
The Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of Iraq to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations
W i th the Supp o r t Of:
The Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations
The Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the United Nations
The World Peace Prayer Society
The Goi Peace Foundation
I N COO P E R AT IO N W I T H T H E M A N Y D E DIC AT E D M E M B E RS O F:
Global Movement for the Culture of Peace
NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief
NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values & Global Concerns-NY
NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations
Values Caucus at the United Nations
W I T H A P P R E CI AT IO N
We are grateful to the President of the 67th General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić,
who has dedicated his tenure to achieving “an assembly of peace.”
This program owes a debt of gratitude to thePermanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations,for its unwavering commitment to interfaith harmony
as an essential building block for a global culture of peace.
Ou r than k s to the Re l i g i o u s N G O s P l ann i ng T eam
Daniel Perell
Bahá’í International Community

Bircan Unver
Light Millennium

Deepika Singh
Religions for Peace

Monica Willard, Roger Ross
United Religions Initiative

Swami Parameshananda
Bharat Sevashram Sangha

T.K. Nakagaki
Interfaith Center of New YorkVictoria Edmunds
The Salvation Army

Mahroo Moshari,
Tabitha Manickawasagar,
Zunaira Mubasher, Ya’arah Pinhas
Manhattan Multicultural Counseling

Caroljean Willie
Sisters of Charity Federation

Tajeldin Hamad, Kensei Ito,
Genie Kagawa, Keiko White
Universal Peace Federation

Margo LaZaro
Global Family
Lila Prounis
Greek Orthodox ArchdiocesanCouncil of Northand South America

Martha Gallahue
National Ethical Service of theAmerican Ethical Union

Grove Harris, Joan Kirby
The Temple of Understanding
Pamela Kraft
Tribal Link Foundation

Chung Ohun Lee, Doyeon Park
Won Buddhism International
Deborah Moldow
The World Peace Prayer Society

UN Photo: Devra Berkowitz

May Peace Prevail on Earth