This year's United Nations Day is a special one. The world's population has just passed six billion, and we are about to enter a new millennium. In one sense, both these things are simply numbers. Yet both give us something to celebrate, and something to think about. Together, they mark the opening of a new chapter in human history—a chapter in which, more than ever before, we shall all share the same destiny. It is a moment to take stock: to look back on what we have achieved and where we have failed — and then to look forward, and think how we can make the new era better than the old.

It is shocking to think that almost half of us — three billion out of the six billion — are entering the new era in abject poverty, with less than two dollars a day, or less, to live on. That is one thing we really must change.

It is also shoking that people in so many places today are exposed to violence and brutality. The twentieth century has been the most murderous in human history. We must make sure the twenty-first is more peaceful, and more humane.

And it is worrying that the world's climate seems to be changing, in a way, which could destroy the homes and livelihood of millions. Controlling and managing this process may yet prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

People all over the world look to the United Nations to protect them — from hunger, disease and violence, and natural disasters — whenever the task seems too big for nations, or regions, to handle alone. But we at the United Nations can do nothing alone, either. Our strength is the strength of our member states, when they agree to act together for the common good.

Next year, leaders from all over the world will come to New York for the Millennium Summit. They will consider the challenges ahead, and what the United Nations can do to face them. Those leaders will be representing you, the peoples of the United Nations. It is up to you to make sure that they come here firmly resolved to take decisions which can lead to a better life for all of us, and for our children.

In that spirit, it gives me great pleasure to extend to the World Peace Prayer Society and the City Montessori School of Lucknow my best wishes for a successful and memorable International Peace Festival. I am counting on you all — and I thank you all.

Dr. Kofi A. Annan
The Secretary General 
United Nations