1940s, Bethlehem, Palestine 🇵🇸 Palestinian Christian newlyweds in Beit Sahour. In Palestine, the tradition of sticking green leaves and yeast dough to the newlyweds’ home is a folk blessing symbolizing life, growth, and abundance.

 Pals

@palsofnations

 

1940s, Bethlehem, Palestine Palestinian Christian newlyweds in Beit Sahour. 

 

In Palestine, the tradition of sticking green leaves and yeast dough to the newlyweds’ home is a folk blessing symbolizing life, growth, and abundance. 

 

Green leaves—often olive or fig leaves and sometimes kneaded directly into the dough—represent fertility, renewal, and baraka (blessing), while the yeast dough signifies prosperity, sustenance, and a household destined to “rise” and flourish.

https://x.com/palsofnations/status/2014681684713578666 

 AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]  

At the General Assembly debate on the Question of Palestine, Ambassador Riyad Mansour said: "Everywhere in the region the same policy, land grab disguised under security pretexts. In Palestine, in Lebanon, in Syria. This is a recipe for perpetual occupation, perpetual bloodshed, perpetual war, instead of shared peace, shared security, shared prosperity.""

State of Palestine

@Palestine_UN

“For 80 years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty & hunger, advance human rights & build a more sustainable world – together.” On Friday's #UNDay, @antonioguterres urges people to unite & fulfil the extraordinary promise of the United Nations... The creation of @UN was the result of a global commitment to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." 80 years later, the UN remains essential for advancing peace, prosperity & human rights. #UN80

 United Nations

@UN

 

“For 80 years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty & hunger, advance human rights & build a more sustainable world – together.” On Friday's #UNDay,  @antonioguterres urges people to unite & fulfil the extraordinary promise of the United Nations.

 

AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES & QUOTES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]    

https://www.un.org/en/observances/un-day/message  

 

Secretary-General's message (2025)

“We the peoples of the United Nations...”

These are not just the opening words of the United Nations Charter – they define who we are.

The United Nations is more than an institution.  It is a living promise – spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations.  

For eighty years, we have worked to forge peace, tackle poverty and hunger, advance human rights, and build a more sustainable world – together.

As we look ahead, we confront challenges of staggering scale: escalating conflicts, climate chaos, runaway technologies, and threats to the very fabric of our institution.

This is no time for timidity or retreat.  

Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone. 

On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of your United Nations.

Let’s show the world what is possible when “we the peoples” choose to act as one.

 

United Nations Geneva

@UNGeneva

 

The creation of @UN was the result of a global commitment to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." 80 years later, the UN remains essential for advancing peace, prosperity & human rights. #UN80   

 

The original manuscript of the United Nations Charter

“Human rights are not an ornament of peace – they are its bedrock.” United Nations Antonio Guterres... "We will never, ever give up making this world better for everyone, everywhere."

United Nations

@UN

“We must choose human dignity and human rights.” 

At this week's United Nations General Assembly, Antonio Guterres @antonioguterres stressed that protecting human rights is essential for people to live in peace & prosperity. 

“Human rights are not an ornament of peace – they are its bedrock.”

“Diversity can be a source of common strength, a wellspring from which we deepen our awareness of humanity.” Nelson Mandela's words resonate as strongly today as ever.

United Nations Geneva  @UNGeneva 

On this day in 1994,  @NelsonMandela delivered a lecture at the World Conference on Religion and Peace. His words resonate as strongly today as ever.

For 80 years, the United Nations has served as the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, prosperity and human rights. Amid the profound challenges facing our world today, these solutions and global solidarity are needed more than ever.

Global Goals

@GlobalGoalsUN

For 80 years, the @UN has served as the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, prosperity and human rights. Amid the profound challenges facing our world today, these solutions and global solidarity are needed more than ever.

 

The United Nations emblem.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Born out of the ashes of the Second World War, the organization was the result of a global commitment to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”

The founding of the UN also signaled a commitment to an entirely new level of international cooperation grounded in international law and the UN Charter.

Eight decades later, one can draw a direct line between the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.

Today, the United Nations remains the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, prosperity and human rights.

The UN works tirelessly to support countries as they tackle poverty, hunger and disease, while also supporting people in need during times of conflict and disaster.

The organization has advanced justice and fairness through international law and respect for human rights, while also pushing for peace through dialogue, debate, diplomacy and consensus-building.

Multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations, but multilateralism is only as strong as each and every country’s commitment to it.

And because we believe in the singular value and purpose of the United Nations, we always strive to improve the institution and the way we work.

Amid the profound challenges facing our world today, global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever

Adapted from the remarks of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the Security Council on 18 February 2025.

 The United Nations Charter was drafted during the United Nations Conference on International Organization, which began on April 25, 1945, and it was signed on June 26, 1945. It officially came into force on October 24, 1945.

The United Nations Charter.

On June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, the United Nations was formally established with the signing of the UN Charter.

The United Nations was established after World War II in an attempt to maintain international peace and security and to achieve cooperation among nations on economic, social, and humanitarian problems.

Find the full text of the UN Charter, or read about the history of its making. Listen to a reading of the Preamble.    https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter

Peace is not built in conference rooms. Peace is built in classrooms, in clinics, in communities. Peace is built when people have hope, opportunity and a stake in their future. Investing in development today means investing in a more peaceful tomorrow. Let’s re-commit to the solidarity and multilateral spirit that has defined our organization across eight decades. And let’s ensure that the dividends of peace, prosperity and security are shared by all. — ANTÓNIO GUTERRES

"Peace is not built in conference rooms. Peace is built in classrooms, in clinics, in communities. Peace is built when people have hope, opportunity and a stake in their future. Investing in development today means investing in a more peaceful tomorrow. Let’s re-commit to the solidarity and multilateral spirit that has defined our organization across eight decades. And let’s ensure that the dividends of peace, prosperity and security are shared by all." — ANTÓNIO GUTERRES https://www.un.org/sg/en

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-07-06/secretary-generals-remarks-the-17th-brics-summit-session-strengthening-multilateralism-economic-financial-affairs-and-artificial-intelligence%E2%80%9D-delivered%E2%80%AF

06 July 2025

Secretary-General's remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit Session on "Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence” [as delivered] 

Prezado Presidente Lula, muito obrigado pelo seu amável convite e pela sua hospitalidade tão amiga.
 
Excellencies,
 
Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies.
 
The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation.
 
How we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good. 
 
I am particularly concerned with the weaponization of AI, in a world where peace is more necessary than ever.
 
Peace in Palestine, based on building the two-State solution, starting by an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, free and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and the ending of the crippling annexation and violence in the West Bank.
 
A just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions.
 
Silencing the guns in Sudan, where civilians have also suffered too much.
And the list goes on, from the DRC to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar.
 
Excellencies,
 
Artificial intelligence needs a multilateral response grounded in equity and human rights.
 
The Pact for the Future, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations, calls for a new architecture of trust and cooperation – starting with the establishment by the UN of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
 
This Panel should provide impartial, evidence-based guidance available to all Member States.
 
The Pact also calls for a periodic Global Dialogue on AI within the UN, with all the Member States and relevant stakeholders. 
 
The AI can’t be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular, developing countries which must have a real voice in global AI governance.
 
I will also soon present a report outlining innovative voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, and I urge the BRICS’ support and your support for these efforts.
 
But we cannot govern AI effectively – and fairly – without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system.
 
We are in a multipolar era.
 
Power relations are shifting.
 
A multipolar world requires multilateral governance – with global institutions tuned for the times, in particular the Security Council and the international financial architecture.
 
They were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.
 
The reform of the Security Council is crucial.
 
The message from the Financing for Development Conference last week in Sevilla was clear:
 
Ensuring that developing countries have a greater participation in global economic governance and its institutions;
 
Putting into place an effective debt restructuring mechanism;
 
And tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, in particular, with concessional funding and in local currencies.
 
All this is crucial for countries, especially in the Global South – to bridge the digital divide and fully harness artificial intelligence’s potential, making AI a powerful driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
 
Excellencies,
 
At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation.
 
That begins with trust, and trust begins with all countries respecting International Law without exceptions.
 
Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.
 
Thank you.

  [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]

Latest Statements

06 July 2025

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Secretary-General's remarks at the 17th BRICS Summit Session on "Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs and Artificial Intelligence” [as delivered] 

 

05 July 2025

New York - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Ukraine

Praia, Cabo Verde - Secretary-General's remarks at the Evocation Ceremony Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Cabo Verde's Independence and 50th Anniversary of the Partnership with the United Nations [as delivered]

 

03 July 2025

New York - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is appalled by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Multiple attacks in recent days hitting sites hosting displaced people and people trying to access food have killed and injured scores of Palestinians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the loss of civilian life. 
 
In just one day this week, orders to relocate forced nearly 30,000 people to flee, yet again, with no safe place to go and clearly inadequate supplies of shelter, food, medicine or water.
 
International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians must be respected and protected, and the needs of the population must be met.
 
With no fuel having entered Gaza in more than 17 weeks, the Secretary-General is gravely concerned that the last lifelines for survival are being cut off. Without an urgent influx of fuel, incubators will shut down, ambulances will be unable to reach the injured and sick, and water cannot be purified. The delivery by the United Nations and partners of what little of our lifesaving humanitarian aid is left in Gaza will also grind to a halt. 
 
He once again calls for full, safe and sustained humanitarian access so aid can reach people who have been deprived of the basics of life for far too long. The UN has a clear and proven plan, rooted in the humanitarian principles, to get vital assistance to civilians – safely and at scale, wherever they are. 
 
The Secretary-General reiterates that all parties must uphold their obligations under international law. He renews his call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Americans should focus on building peace - My letter published online in my local newspaper The Patriot News: "Our domestic and foreign policies should align to shape true justice, peace, and prosperity for all people, regardless of race or religion."

Americans should focus on building peace | PennLive Letters

https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2024/11/americans-should-focus-on-building-peace-pennlive-letters.html

Published: Nov. 29, 2024

Thank you for publishing William Lambers’ 11/11 opinion “The silence heard around the world brought peace.”

Lambers sagely reminds us that the true spirit of Armistice Day, is “to keep up the mission for a world free from the horror of war.”

We must make it a priority to invest in goodness, not war: We need to disarm and dismantle the military-industrial complex that our tax dollars have helped build.

Fully respecting basic human rights and the rule of fair and just laws is a good first step in building peace.

Our domestic and foreign policies should align to shape true justice, peace, and prosperity for all people, regardless of race or religion.

Anne Selden Annab, Mechanicsburg Pa.

United Nations: More than 78 years ago, 50 nations came together to create a new organization for peace, prosperity & human rights.

Original manuscript of the UN Charter preamble, complete with handwritten notes.

United Nations

@UN

On Sunday’s #InternationalArchivesDay, check out the original manuscript of the UN Charter preamble, complete with handwritten notes. More than 78 years ago, 50 nations came together to create a new organization for peace, prosperity & human rights. https://un.org/en/about-us/un

 

 

United Nations Charter:
Preamble

WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED

to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and

to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

AND FOR THESE ENDS

to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and

to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and

to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS.

Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.  https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/preamble

United Nations Charter, Chapter I:
Purposes and Principles

Article 1

The Purposes of the United Nations are:

1. To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace;
2. To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace;
3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion; and
4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.

.... READ MORE  https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/preamble

 

The Charter of the United Nations is the founding document of the United Nations. It was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945...       READ MORE  https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter

Announcing ATFP Gala Silent Auction ... Featuring Arts, Calligraphy, Photography, Manuscripts, Lithography, and Maps [ATFP seeks to support good governance and living standards for Palestinians, and to bring Palestinians and the United States closer together at every level]

Church of the Holy Sepulchre by J. Cramb

Silent Auction (We are adding more pictures...come again)

Silent Auction items 

ATFP 10th Anniversary Gala

"Generations of Commitment"

Featuring Arts, Calligraphy, Photography, Manuscripts, Lithography, and Maps on ATFP Gala website here.

Auction items will be available for purchase during gala night

ATFP is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that aims to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East. It advocates the national security interest of the United States in the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace, security and dignity. ATFP seeks to support good governance and living standards for Palestinians, and to bring Palestinians and the United States closer together at every level. It advocates that American policies recognize the inextricable interconnection of the issue of Palestine with our other major policy objectives in the region. The Task Force holds that the values and interests of the United States are complementary rather than contradictory throughout the region, especially as it pertains to Palestine.

ATFP believes that the Palestinian-American community can and must play an ever-increasing role as a bridge between the United States and Arab societies. The Palestinian-American community has made significant contributions to our country, and at the 10th Anniversary Gala, ATFP will recognize these achievements by honoring leading Palestinian-Americans who have made contributions in the fields of Public Service, Scholarship, and Business & Finance. Your attendance at the Gala will serve as your recognition of the accomplishments of the Palestinian-American community, as well as a much-appreciated gesture of support for ATFP’s message of peace, prosperity, freedom and co-existence.

Click here to learn more about previous ATFP Galas.

The American Task Force on Palestine is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at this year's annual Gala. As always, this year we will be honoring the accomplishments of distinguished Palestinian Americans.

ATFP's black-tie galas are attended by high-level decision-makers and opinion-influencers in Washington, along with an unmatched combination of community members, diplomats, analysts, journalists and other distinguished guests.

The Gala program will be informative and newsworthy -- a senior policy-maker (to be announced) will give the keynote speech, at a time when dramatic events in the Middle East are leading the news worldwide. Moreover, it will be entertaining: various musicians, singers and comedians will ensure that the atmosphere is lively and joyful.

 

ATFP 10th Anniversary Gala “Generations of Commitment”

Honoring the Achievements of Palestinian-Americans

 

Honorees:

Distinguished Public Service: Representative Justin Amash

Academic Excellence: Dr. Saliba Sarsar

 Excellence in Business and Finance: Mr. Talat Othman


            

Musical Performance

Nidal Ibourk


Master of Ceremonies

Dean Obeidallah

                  


Tuesday October 29, 2013

 
The Ritz-Carlton

1150 22nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037
The ATFP Gala is a black-tie event

Palestine according to its ancient divisions, by W. Hughes

 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre, by David Roberts

"The Middle East peace process cannot become an orphan of the Arab Spring."... In West Bank, EU's Barroso urges new peace talks... "It is important that all Palestinian actors take advantage of the positive developments towards democratisation in the region to build a future of democracy, security and prosperity"

Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad (right) holds a joint press conference with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Ramallah on Sunday. Barroso urged a return to Israeli-Palestinian talks, warning the peace process must not become "an orphan of the Arab Spring." (AFP Photo/Abbas Momani)

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

http://news.yahoo.com/west-bank-eus-barroso-urges-peace-talks-104702983.html

European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso called on Sunday for a return to Israeli-Palestinian talks, warning the peace process must not become "an orphan of the Arab Spring."

Barroso was speaking after talks with Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad on the first day of a trip which includes stops in the West Bank and Israel.

"The momentous change that we are witnessing throughout the Arab world should constitute an incitement and not a deterrent to the resumption of negotiations," he said, according to an advance copy of his remarks.

"The Middle East peace process cannot become an orphan of the Arab Spring."

Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have been on hold since late September 2010, and efforts by the peacemaking Quartet -- which groups the EU, United Nations, United States and Russia -- have had little success.

But Barroso said the European Union considered resolving the conflict a "strategic priority," and would continue to work to find a way to bring the two sides back to the table.

"Meanwhile it is important that the two parties do not act in a way that undermines the viability of a two-state solution," Barroso said.

"In this respect it is with concern that we see the continuous growth of settlements in the West Bank, including east Jerusalem."

Barroso, who will meet later Sunday in the West Bank city of Ramallah with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, offered support for the reconciliation process between Abbas's Fatah party and the rival Hamas movement which rules Gaza.

"This is a key factor contributing to the unity of a future Palestinian state and to reaching the two-state solution," he said.

And he said that new elections, which are called for under the reconciliation deal signed last year but have been delayed as the two sides bicker over implementation of the agreement, would constitute "a significant contribution to Palestinian state-building."

"It is important that all Palestinian actors take advantage of the positive developments towards democratisation in the region to build a future of democracy, security and prosperity," his prepared remarks said....READ MORE