MIL Video Engine

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Democracy 2025.

"Democracy is powered by the will of the people — by their voices, their choices, and their
participation.
It thrives when the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all are upheld — especially the
most vulnerable.
A democracy that excludes is no democracy at all.
To those who seek to discredit or undermine democracy, I say this:
I lived under a dictatorship.
And, along with many others, I helped rebuild democracy in Portugal.
I know the difference.
Today, as we mark 18 years of this International Day — and 20 years of the UN Democracy Fund
— we honour the courage of people everywhere who are shaping their societies through dialogue,
participation, and trust.
At a time when democracy and the rule of law are under assault from disinformation, division,
and shrinking civic space, these efforts are more vital than ever.
The United Nations itself is a forum for dialogue — rooted in the opening words of our Charter,
‘We the peoples.’
This is a powerful reminder that our legitimacy and purpose derive from those we serve.
Let us reaffirm democracy as a force for dignity, inclusion, and peace — and work together to
ensure it delivers for all."

More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/democracy-day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEO1TrRUwFE

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

——————————–

Secretary-General António Guterres rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters, and said, “Peace is the most powerful force for a better future. And it is within our grasp – if we choose it.”

This year’s Peace Day carries the theme Act Now for a Peaceful World. Guterres said, “We know that peace doesn’t happen by accident. It is forged – through courage, compromise, and above all, action. We must act – to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy.”

António Guterres noted that the bell “was cast from coins and medals donated by people across the world.” He added, “This Peace Bell reminds us that even the smallest contributions can forge something enduring. Even in a fractured world, we can come together to let peace ring. Let’s answer that call.”

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock also addressed the gathering. She said, “Peace. A principle on which the United Nations was founded. One enshrined in the Charter as our collective aspiration never again to return to the scourge of war.”

Baerbock then also rang the Peace Bell, before participants gathered for a group photo to close the ceremony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr52BqmJBFc

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said that the support from the entire international community “will be critical for efforts to rid Syria of all chemical weapons.”

Addressing the Security Council today (12 Sep), Izumi Nakamitsu said, “Since 2014, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has not been able to confirm that the declaration submitted by the previous Syrian authorities was accurate and complete, because of the insufficient and inaccurate information it contained. A total of 26 outstanding issues were reported, of which 19 remain unresolved.”

She reported, “The OPCW Technical Secretariat reported that in addition the 26 declared chemical weapons-related sites, information made available to the OPCW suggests that there are more than 100 other sites that may have been involved in chemical-weapons related activities.”

She continued, “During the deployment that took place in April, the OPCW collected three samples at one of the visited locations. The OPCW has reported that the analysis of these samples conducted by OPCW designated laboratories revealed indicators of nerve agents. This is a concerning finding, and the OPCW has shared the results with the Syrian authorities and intends to address the issue in subsequent deployments.”

She stressed, “There are significant challenges ahead, and consistent support from the entire international community will be critical for efforts to rid Syria of all chemical weapons.”

She highlighted, that the commitment of the new authorities in Syria “to fully and transparently cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is commendable.”

Ibrahim Alabi, Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, “Syria will continue to resolutely proceed with rebuilding in order to overcome this legacy and spare no effort to destroy the arsenal of chemical weapons used against our unarmed people. This matter is receiving great attention from the highest levels of decision-making in the State in order to turn it into a ray of hope in the history of Syria.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7u8fTZ0cPI