UN Speakers Diverse in Quotes, Drawing from Ancient Texts, Modern Figures and a Dash of Talking Heads
At this week's United Nations (UN) gathering, speakers have showcased a wide range of inspirational quotes, incorporating sayings from their homelands, ancient texts, figures of moral authority, and a touch of a 1980s new wave band.
Homeland Sayings and Moral Authority Figures
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres cited the wisdom of his Portuguese forebears: "We are all in this together."
- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari referenced his country's proverb: "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
Ancient Texts and Inspirational Quotes
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet quoted the ancient Chinese proverb: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the disorder of the world."
- UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim referenced the Indian philosopher Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
A Dash of Talking Heads
- UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore mentioned the band Talking Heads' song "This Is America," addressing pressing global issues:
"This is America, they say. We've got a lot of problems, but we've got some solutions too."
The speakers at this year's United Nations General Assembly event have embraced a diverse range of sources for their inspirational quotes, drawing from their homelands, ancient texts, and figures of moral authority, as well as incorporating elements of popular culture.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, for instance, invoked the wisdom of his Portuguese ancestors with the statement: "We are all in this together."
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari referenced his country's proverb: "The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
Highlighting the importance of global environmental concerns, UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim quoted the Indian philosopher Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore drew from popular culture, mentioning the song "This Is America" by Talking Heads:
"This is America, they say. We've got a lot of problems, but we've got some solutions too."
The diverse range of sources used by these United Nations representatives demonstrates the versatility of inspirational quotes in addressing global issues and promoting unity among nations.
<small>Source: PBS NewsHour — read the original story there.</small>
