Nowruz is about Celebrating Friendship, Reconciliation, Harmony, Says Secretary-General, in Message for International Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Nowruz, observed on 21 March:

For more than 300 million people across the world, Nowruz is about new beginnings:  the arrival of a new year; the first day of spring; the renewal of nature.

For all of us, it is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to peace, human rights and human dignity; to fostering dialogue and mutual respect; to protecting the planet and building a future that leaves no one behind.

The International Day of Nowruz is celebrated in a spirit of friendship, reconciliation and harmony.  I offer best wishes to all who are marking this observance.  May the Nowruz holiday serve as an inspiration to us all.