Novruz celebrated at UN Headquarters
By Nazrin Gadimova
Permanent Missions of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan organized the International Novruz Day in Vienna-based UN Headquarters on March 25.
The event brought together the representatives of these missions, as well as those of India, Iraq, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey.
Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev highlighted the historical and cultural importance of Novruz for the Azerbaijani people, saying the International Novruz Day, initiated by Azerbaijan, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010.
The guests at the event had an opportunity to taste holiday sweets and watch videos about Novruz traditions.
The UN General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Novruz in 2010. The holiday was also added to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity administered by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Speaking earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message that at the time of global change, when all societies face new pressures, the need for solidarity between all people and harmony with the planet has never been more essential. He also called on the international community to promote these essential values in the spirit of the annual spring festival of Novruz.
"Novruz is a time when millions of people from Western, Central and South Asia and other regions around the world come together, as they have for over 3,000 years, to celebrate the New Year and first day of spring," said the UN chief in his message on the International Day of Novruz.
Ban Ki-moon said this holiday is a reminder of the values and aspirations everybody share for peace through tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.
"Expressed in a rich array of ways across the world, Novruz embodies the power of cultural heritage to build bridges between people," he said, adding that the festival also celebrates diversity as a strength and the foundation of a more peaceful and sustainable world.