United Nations
Dear friends,
It is an honor for me to join you at this auspicious occasion of the Opening Ceremony for the World Harmony Run.
I’m proud to mention that the World Harmony Run was warmly welcomed in Suriname two years ago. At that occasion, the World Harmony Run torch was lit in Paramaribo at the Independence Square. The event was a great success and during the two day intense World Harmony activities, the reflection could be witnessed of the unity found in the multi-cultural society of Suriname.
The Government of the Republic of Suriname has consistently advocated that mutual respect and understanding greatly advances our noble ideals for maintaining international peace and security. We are therefore pleased to always participate in activities that foster ideas of world harmony and oneness.
Please allow me to recite a poem from a renowned Surinamese poet Robin Ravales, who in his work referred to the unity in diversity and the harmonious society of Suriname.
one tree
so many leaves
one tree
one river
so many creeks
all are going to one sea
one head
so many thoughts
thoughts among, which one good one must be
one God
so many ways of worshipping
but one Father
one Suriname
so many hair types
so many skin colours
so many tongues
one people
Friends,
Suriname is proud to offer its colourful diversity of cultures and cultural expressions as an example of successful cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
It is my firm belief that in the spirit of togetherness we will succeed in creating world harmony and making the world a better place to live in.
Thank you very much for your attention.