U.N. representative speaks at UCF
Hannah Coffman
Issue date: 10/22/08 Section: News
Nearly 1.2 billion people live on less than $1 a day. A parking meter in downtown Orlando probably takes in more money in an hour than about 70 percent of the world's population does in a day.
Only by nations coming together in a culture of peace can the horrors of poverty, ignorance and human rights be stamped out, United Nations Representative Hiro Sakurai, told a University of Central Florida audience on Thursday.
Sakurai said the New Millennium Campaign, which is backed by the United Nations, aims to stamp out poverty by the year 2015 but that goal would not be achieved without a global initiative.
"Every effort is important and can contribute to Culture of Peace," Sakurai said. "We can stop things within our reach close to here in our everyday lives."
After 9/11, Sakurai said the United Nation implemented eight areas of action that it named the Culture of Peace - they are education, economic and social development, respect for human rights, equality between men and women, democratic participation, tolerance and solidarity, flow of knowledge, and international peace and security.
"Unfortunately, The New Millennium was quickly darkened by the events of 9/11," said Sakurai.
Sakurai was the keynote speaker at the annual Nurture the Nations event of the Orlando chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America. The UCF chapter of the United Nations Association also sponsored the event.
Sakurai shared some of his experiences of working at the United Nations. He said that people started coming together in collaboration, which was very unique. "I can't tell you what a rare and moving sight that was," he said.
He also stressed the subject of nuclear disarmament. "To many of us this may seem like common sense. Of course nuclear weapons are a danger to peoples lives, but unfortunately that is not how most governments think," said Sakurai. We cannot rid the world of nuclear weapons unless human potential is recognized, Sakurai said.
Sakurai is the representative of the Soka Gakkai International to the U.N. in New York. Among many other responsibilities, he is a member of the board of directors, NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security and a member of the International Steering Committee, Global action to prevent war.
"I think the United Nations can always do more," said Amanda Stanley, President of UNA@UCF. "It's hard to achieve goals and we need more participation."
Monica Weeks, the Treasurer for UNA@UCF, said that the organization "helps debating skills, learning about different cultures and giving you a broader awareness."
Nearly 100 people attended this U.N. day celebration for its upcoming 63rd Anniversary on Oct. 24. The entertainment agenda for the 3-hour event included special performances by Larry and Tracy Coryell, Orlando Taiko Drums, and Indian Dance by Bhangra Knights.
Only by nations coming together in a culture of peace can the horrors of poverty, ignorance and human rights be stamped out, United Nations Representative Hiro Sakurai, told a University of Central Florida audience on Thursday.
Sakurai said the New Millennium Campaign, which is backed by the United Nations, aims to stamp out poverty by the year 2015 but that goal would not be achieved without a global initiative.
"Every effort is important and can contribute to Culture of Peace," Sakurai said. "We can stop things within our reach close to here in our everyday lives."
After 9/11, Sakurai said the United Nation implemented eight areas of action that it named the Culture of Peace - they are education, economic and social development, respect for human rights, equality between men and women, democratic participation, tolerance and solidarity, flow of knowledge, and international peace and security.
"Unfortunately, The New Millennium was quickly darkened by the events of 9/11," said Sakurai.
Sakurai was the keynote speaker at the annual Nurture the Nations event of the Orlando chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America. The UCF chapter of the United Nations Association also sponsored the event.
Sakurai shared some of his experiences of working at the United Nations. He said that people started coming together in collaboration, which was very unique. "I can't tell you what a rare and moving sight that was," he said.
He also stressed the subject of nuclear disarmament. "To many of us this may seem like common sense. Of course nuclear weapons are a danger to peoples lives, but unfortunately that is not how most governments think," said Sakurai. We cannot rid the world of nuclear weapons unless human potential is recognized, Sakurai said.
Sakurai is the representative of the Soka Gakkai International to the U.N. in New York. Among many other responsibilities, he is a member of the board of directors, NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security and a member of the International Steering Committee, Global action to prevent war.
"I think the United Nations can always do more," said Amanda Stanley, President of UNA@UCF. "It's hard to achieve goals and we need more participation."
Monica Weeks, the Treasurer for UNA@UCF, said that the organization "helps debating skills, learning about different cultures and giving you a broader awareness."
Nearly 100 people attended this U.N. day celebration for its upcoming 63rd Anniversary on Oct. 24. The entertainment agenda for the 3-hour event included special performances by Larry and Tracy Coryell, Orlando Taiko Drums, and Indian Dance by Bhangra Knights.
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