The resolution of conflicts or differences through peaceful or non-violent means and the promotion of respect for human dignity, tolerance and non-discrimination, dialogue and reconciliation, rspect for cultural diversity - these are the foundation of the UN efforts to concertize efforts toward a global culture of peace.

The Philippines strongly subscribes to the UN goals. Its participation in the annual celebration of United Nations Week attests to its sincere efforts to make peace a reality in the Philippines, especially for its inhabitants to recognize and practice respect for human rights.

Education plays a central role in getting the youth to imbibe the UN's objectives. Ideas about peace, respect for human rights, dignity, etc., have a greater opportunity to grow among people who are informed and educated. Illiteracy and ignorance are two major obstacles to the promotion of peace and respect for human rights.

Today, 189 nations compose the United Nations. This is a testimony to the global efforts to disseminate and foster the UN goals in the entire world.

We hope that United Nations Week will continue to draw support and strength, promoting a culture of peace, which is the best antidote to violence and terrorism.

Source: Manila Bulletin, October 15, 2001 Issue (Editorial)

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October 01    UN Month Art Exhibit of Voltaire Perez  

October 02    Meeting with Gen. Rosales of Disaster Management

October 03    Meeting with Ms. Gina Arong of Probe Team  

October 04    Meeting with Ms. Maloli Manalastas of ABC 5 regarding Breakfast Meeting on the film "The Right to Development" on Oct. 19  

October 05    Talk regarding the International Teachers Day  

October 09    UNAP Board Meeting on UN Day celebration  

October 11    Asian Meeting on the Trafficking of  Children or Labour and Sexual Exploitation Phils AIDS Council meeting  

October 15    TV talk show "Pulong Forum" to discuss UN current affairs  

October 17    Maria Montessori Foundation commemorates UN for maintenance of world peace. The theme of this activity is "The Role of UN and its Member Countries in Maintaining World Peace Today"  
                                                 
October 18    Kick-off ceremony for the UN Week with DECS  

Arrival of David Lazaruz from Bangkok                      
Arrival of Julia Helb of ESCAP from Bangkok                      
FSUN-KGB Monthly Golf Invitations-Phil. Navy Golf Club                    

October 19    Breakfast meeting launching of the film "The Right to Development" by ESCAP  

October 22    Pateros Catholic School celebrates the "International Year of Volunteerism" by symposium,                     poster making contest, and essay writing contest.                      

Women's Rights Group UN Day Celebration  

October 24    All Nation's Women's Group UN Day Celebration                      

UN Day Anniversary Reception at the DFA and launching of UNV Commemorate Slamp  

October 26    Standard Chartered to discuss various services that will give operational efficiency and convenience to UNDP                      

October 26-27  Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) holds the                     "First Presentation Ceremonies for the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Journalists."                      
UN Works Exhibit  

October 28  Exhibit

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UN, Annan win Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO, Norway (Reuters) - The United Nations and Secretary General Kofi Annan shared the centenary Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for working "for a better organised and more peaceful world" by tackling challenges from poverty to terrorism.

"Today the organization is at the forefront of efforts to achieve peace and security in the world," Nobel Committee leader Gunnar Berge said in the prize citation of the UN, which was set up in 1945 and has 50,000 employes worldwide.

"The UN has in its history achieved many successes, and suffered many setbacks," he said.

Annan, awoken early in the morning in New York by his spokesman Fred Eckhard to hear of the award, said it was 'wonderful" and a great recognition for the world body.

"It's wonderful feeling and a great encouragement for us and the organization, for the work we have done until now," he said. "It's a great recognition for the staff."

But referring to the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, he said: "At the same time it is a great responsibility at such difficult moment but reinforces us in pursuing the search for peace."

The prize, named after Alfred Nobel, a Swedish philanthropist and inventor of dynamite, is worth 10 million Swedish crowns ($946,200). It was first awarded 100 years ago.

Berge said that Annan, a 63-year-old Ghanaian, had been "pre-eminent in bringing new life to the UN" and had "risen to new challenges such as HIV/AIDS and international terrorism".

The committee awarded the prize despite a bleak outlook for peace amid US-lead strikes on Afghanistan after the suicide hijacker attacks on the United States which killed 5,600 people.

The United Nations and Annan won from a field of 136 nominees including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN War Crimes tribunal, soccer's governing body FIFA, Pope John Paul and the European Court of Human Rights.

Berge said the prize was a way of trying to bolster the UN as the main forum for solving international conflicts in the 21st century. But he declined to comment on whether it implied a snub to Washington.

Source: Manila Bulletin, October 13, 2001 Issue

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