On Friday, 21 September – the International Day of Peace – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will honour Brazilian author Paulo Coelho and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan by designating them as United Nations Messengers of Peace. They will join four other Messengers of Peace, individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of art, literature, music and sports, in helping to raise worldwide awareness of the ideals and activities of the United Nations.
Paulo Coelho, world renowned author of “The Alchemist”, uses his universal appeal to help underprivileged members of Brazilian society through his Paulo Coelho Institute, which he founded with his wife, Christina Oiticica. He is also an advocate of multiculturalism through his work with UNESCO as a Special Counselor for Intercultural Dialogues and Spiritual Convergences.
A political activist since his youth, Mr. Coelho will continue to promote intercultural dialogue and focus on the needs of children around the world as a Messenger of Peace. The native of Rio de Janeiro has enchanted readers from around the world for years and gathered numerous international awards for his works, which have been translated into more than 65 languages.
In selecting Mr. Coelho for this designation, the Secretary-General said, “Mr. Coelho’s “talent as a writer and his exceptional ability to touch the lives of men and women across boundaries and cultures would make him a powerful Messenger”.
While previously scheduled commitments will preclude his attendance at the International Day of Peace Observance, Mr. Coelho said he was honoured by the designation. “I gladly accept this responsibility and am committed to do my best to work towards a better future for the current and next generations”.
The other Messengers of Peace and their areas of focus are: Ms. Jane Goodall, the environment; Michael Douglas, disarmament and peace and security; Yo-Yo Ma, youth; and Elie Wiesel, human rights and the Holocaust. Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotii was a Messenger of Peace for nearly a decade before his death in Modena, Italy on 6 September 2007. Mr. Douglas, Ms. Goodall and Mr. Wiesel also will attend the International Day of Peace Observance.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
The sun can not hide its light, Paulo too.
Congratulations Paulo and I wish you also ,The Nobel’s Award of Peace or of Literature.
Thank you for being.
May God bless you and your family .
Butterfly
Falicidades. Me alegro mucho de que haya recibidoese honor.
Besos,
Miriam
THERE PAULO !
NOW U CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN ! If u feel a simple solution like introduing a period of silence in all schools / colleges / even offices if we can, will go a long way in making people more at ease with temselves, their societies, the world, hence less damaging to themselves and their surroundings ( environment ): would the warrior in you fight for it. in case u need any help, I would consider myself most fortunate to be of whatever assiatnce I can be.
And don’t believe those economists who say that loss of so many manhours to silence will result in loss of so many billions of dollars. those dollars will have any value only when the environemnt remain protected and people remain somewhat sane ! no.
Please Paulo. Sir.
Dearest Paulo,
congratulations for the “Peace Reward”,
May God bless you, guide your way and grant you the happiness you desreve as much as you grant it to others.
Hala Nour El-din
congratulation!!!Mr paulo,,hope you will spread more peace to the world ,with your works.
love asha
¡ Felicitaciones Paulo !
¡Que maravillosa noticia! Tu siempre has sido mensanjero de paz y amor y mucha gente tiene mejor y más feliz vida por tu culpa. :D
Eres nuestra luz, nuestro ¨ sol que irradia luz y calor por donde pasa¨ .
Un grandisimo abrazo de Serbia:D
Tanja :D
Yes, again…God Bless your endeavours ;
Love and honour to you, sir, my lovely..
Paulove and
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Congratulations! Parabéns! Omedetô Gozaimassu!
That is a wonderful news and a brilliant choice! Who better can help n achvieving world peace than Paulo Coelho? :)
Yes, thank you Paulo. Your words and actions are appreciated. I also believe you are “special”.
Love Kathleen xx
Dear sir Paulo Coelho,
Congratulations!!! and thank you for your accecting and being the Messenger of Peace, you are truly the person who brings peace and good will to me and to this world with Gods blessings!
many congratulations dear mr paulo for the assignment! you are a great man for this job. i was at your book signing yesterday in stockholm (thank you). the peace, the warmth and the magic you are spreading by your prescence and your sharing of your work & yourself is wonderful.
happy day of peace.
with love,
mira
Congratulations Paulo! indeed a prophet who wasn’t welcomed in his own home country is honoured by the rest of the world in this apt title! may God continue to bless you in your work, and now as a Messenger of Peace!
I just want to wish to Mr Paulo Coelho my best regards for his work and dedication of His Mission : PEACE OF THE WORLD….
May LORD BLESS YOU and your family for this very special day of 21TH Sept and for the rest of your lifes….
Myriam
CONGRATULATIONS, PAULO!!! APLAUSES HERE!
OHH HAPPY DAY!!! :D
YES!!! YOU ARE THE MESSENGER OF PEACE AND LOVE!
ATMA NAMASTE, BEAUTIFUL SOUL!
THE WORLD NEEDS YOU, SWEETHEART!
BEIJO IN YOUR HEART!
LOVE, LIGHT, PEACE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!!!
Marta :)
Querido Paulo Coelho
Parabéns pelo titulo. Em tempos de guerras e desunião, o mundo precisa mais de possoas iguais a vc para espalhar a semente da paz.
Que Deus te abençõe.
Gisele – Sorocaba – S.P.
this is awesome news my heart is filled with pure joy!!!
Paulo this makes me so happy to hear. Congratulation Congratulations and Congratulations plus many hugs, The Perfect Warrior to nominate!!!!
lots of hugs and kisses
Marie
Dearest Paulo,
Congratulations!
*hug!*
i can not think of a better man for this, after all, you’ve been changing peoples lives, your entire life! Sir, you’ve touched the lives of so so many people around this world. The most i can say, is we all love you, and most importantly, thank you for being.
May God bless you and your family dearly.
Yajna
Parabéns meu querido,
Mais que merecido.Você é o mensageiro da paz e do amor.
Beijos/Marcia