Below are excerpts related to the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures from:

• United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon statement and message to WHR volunteer coordinators assembled for interntional launch;
• UNESCO Director General,  Ms. Irina Bokova statement;
• Message from the President of UNESCO General Conference to all WHR participants;
• the Unesco strategy  for the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures; as well as
• links to others' statements and messages

Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon gave the following message:

"The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures is an important initiative. During the year, we will be celebrating cultural diversity and showing how intercultural dialogue and understanding are essential for a more peaceful world. We will also be highlighting the crucial role of culture in development. Let us work together to make the Year a resounding success."

In a letter to the World Harmony Run, the Secretary General conveyed his "best wishes for the success of the event" to all the volunteer coordinators assembled for the international launch in New York on April 12.

In her comments regarding the year Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO stated,

"The resultant cross-fertilization of our societies offers new opportunities to strengthen the ties between peoples, nations and cultures " she continued, "Exchange and dialogue between cultures are the best tools for building peace."

Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of UNESCO offered the following words of support to all participants of the World Harmony Run.

"The International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures presents a wonderful opportunity to creatively celebrate cultural diversity and its role in forging ties between cultures and people. There is great value in bringing together different kinds of people, different forces, different views, different religions, and different beliefs...

"By carrying a torch to over 100 nations this year, World Harmony Run reinforces the goals and objectives of 2010: International Year, and provides a chance for all participants to expand their awareness and living experiences of other cultures. It is indeed an excellent opportunity to develop an appreciation of diversity through art, culture and sports. This communal sharing of our hopes and dreams is fundamental for building the foundations of peace and harmony...

"I wish all the organizers and participants in the World Harmony Run many successful events and joyful shared experiences. May your activity contribute to the global recognition of the intrinsic relationship between sustainable development and the promotion of cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and a culture of peace." Full Message

Other IYRC Messages and Statements

We will incorporate into our efforts the UNESCO strategy for 2010:

(i) promoting reciprocal knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity;

(ii) building a framework for commonly shared values; equal dignity of cultures, mutual respect and the strengthening of cooperation for lasting peace.

LInk to UNESCO website.

• Examples of IYRC at Events

• http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_examples

• Living in Harmony - Summer Camp Curriculum

• IYRC Logo: 6 Languages, Multicolor strands and symbol
• http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_logo

• IYRC Talking Points and FAQ
• http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_talk

• "How to" show IYRC at "Live from Road" news
• http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_news