NEW YORK – United Nations
6 December 2024
Good evening, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the Diwali – Power of One Awards, a celebration of light, unity, and the remarkable spirit of service that binds us as global citizens.
To Ranju and Ravi Batra, thank you for your unwavering dedication to this event, especially in a year as challenging as 2024. Your commitment to celebrating light, unity, and service is truly inspiring.
I am honored to join this meaningful occasion once again and extend my gratitude to the Permanent Mission of Georgia and the co-sponsoring Missions for organizing this celebration.
Congratulations to tonight’s esteemed awardees. Your exceptional achievements and commitment to peace and unity are a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. This recognition is well-deserved.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and peace over discord. It is a time of reflection and renewal, a celebration of the shared values that unite us all, regardless of our diverse cultures and traditions. Tonight, we gather to honor individuals whose actions resonate deeply with these ideals—those who remind us of our shared humanity and collective responsibility to create a brighter, more harmonious world.
Under the auspices of this noble initiative, we reflect on the transformative power of leadership, cooperation, and empathy. The distinguished honorees this evening have made extraordinary contributions to peace, justice, and global solidarity. Their actions embody the spirit of Diwali, serving as a powerful reminder that unity and hope are essential in addressing the complex challenges of our world.
Eritrea, a nation shaped by resilience and perseverance, profoundly understands the values Diwali represents. Over decades, we have embraced the light of unity and determination, nurturing peace and cooperation within our borders and across our region. Our experience has taught us that progress depends on collective efforts to uplift one another and build a shared future.
The awardees we honor tonight hail from diverse regions of the world, representing their nations with pride and dedication. However, their impact transcends borders. Their leadership reminds us that the decisions of a few can ripple across the globe, shaping the lives of many. Leadership, is not merely a privilege, but a profound responsibility to serve humanity.
Eritrea, like many nations, values leadership that prioritizes humanity over narrow interests. We know that progress is achieved through cooperation and relentless pursuit of shared goals.
As we celebrate these remarkable individuals, let us also acknowledge the unity in diversity they represent. Though our histories, languages, and cultures may differ, our collective destiny is intertwined. Their actions affirm the possibility of a world where nations come together to address challenges, heal divisions, and build a future rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
In a world facing persistent conflicts, deepening inequalities, and environmental crises, tonight’s honorees remind us that people must remain at the center of our decisions. A commitment to peace, justice, and equity requires compassion and an unwavering belief in the dignity of all human beings.
For Eritrea, diplomacy is not merely the art of negotiation but a moral obligation to uplift humanity. At the United Nations, this means amplifying the voices of the vulnerable, ensuring decisions are guided by principles, and prioritizing the well-being of people over short-term gains. The honorees tonight embody this ethos, showing that diplomacy must be a beacon of hope, a reflection of humanity’s highest ideals.
This evening, let us draw inspiration from these extraordinary individuals. Their leadership reminds us of the boundless potential within each of us to build a more just, peaceful, and united world.
May this gathering, imbued with the spirit of Diwali, serve as a guiding light for our collective work at the United Nations and beyond—a reminder that when we lead with empathy, act with integrity, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of peace, we can illuminate the path to a brighter, shared future.
Once again, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the honorees and sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event. May the light of Diwali continue to inspire us all.
Thank you.