The representative of the Global Oasis Climate Fund (GOCF) attended the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, calling for global peace and development.

New York, 27 January 2025 - A delegation from the Global Oasis Climate Fund (GOCF) has been invited to attend the official United Nations Commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Leaders from around the world, diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations and people from all walks of life gathered in the United Nations General Assembly Hall to remember history and reaffirm the international community's strong commitment to maintaining peace, promoting human rights and resisting all forms of extremism and discrimination.

United Nations Commemoration: Remembering history, defending Peace

The event was held in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters and presided over by the President of the UN General Assembly.

 In his keynote speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the Holocaust was not only one of the worst tragedies in human history, but also a reminder that the global community should remember. 

"The horrors of the Holocaust were born of hatred, bigotry and indifference, and we must be vigilant against extremism and racial discrimination on the rise in today's world and resolutely reject all forms of anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination based on religion, race and identity," 

he said. The lessons of history are clear: tolerance, solidarity and respect for human rights are the cornerstones of global peace and stability."

The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Audrey Azoulay, also attended the commemoration and said in her address that UNESCO remains committed to maintaining Holocaust memory education and ensuring that the truth of history is accurately transmitted to prevent hatred and prejudice from spreading again. "Education is the most powerful weapon against ignorance and hatred, and we must educate the younger generation about history in order to build a more inclusive and peaceful future," she stressed.

In addition, permanent representatives and senior diplomats from many countries to the United Nations also spoke at the conference to express their countries' commitment to peace.

• The Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations stressed global vigilance against anti-Semitism and called for greater cooperation among countries to prevent the spread of hate speech and extremism.

• The Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations, on behalf of the German Government, renewed its commitment to remembering history and underlined Germany's strong commitment to maintaining world peace and promoting human rights.

• The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations mentioned in his statement that tackling extremism and hatred is not only a historical responsibility, but also a contemporary challenge that the international community must face.

• The Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations stressed that the United States Government will continue to support Holocaust survivors and related education programs to ensure that younger generations can learn from history and avoid similar tragedies.

A key part of the ceremony included the lighting of a memorial candle as delegates marched forward to pay their respects to the victims of the massacre. The candle symbolizes remembrance of past suffering and conveys the commitment of the international community to peace and justice.

During the musical memorial, a live string orchestra played El Maleh Rachamim, a traditional Jewish mourning piece, followed by a choir singing Song of Hope, a symbol of peace and hope. The music reverberated in the General Assembly Hall, creating a solemn atmosphere and further deepening the participants' resonance with the peace mission.

GOCF: Environmental justice and global peace are inextricably linked

As an international NGO dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development, the GOCF delegation attended the event not only to remember the past,

 but also to highlight the close link between peace, human rights and environmental protection. The GOCF believes that ecological justice is an essential component of social justice,

 which is the cornerstone of global peace. When the world descends into conflict, the environment and people are always the biggest victims. War destroys natural resources, 

exacerbates climate change, leads to food shortages and mass displacement, and environmental disasters, in turn, can be catalysts for conflict.

A GOCF representative said after the meeting:

"Looking back at history, we must recognize that protecting the environment and promoting social justice are one and the same fight. 

The war not only claimed countless lives, but also had a devastating effect on the Earth. From the ruins of World War II to today's conflict zones,

 we see the destruction of ecosystems, the rise of climate refugees, and more wars over resources. This is why GOCF is not only concerned about the environment, 

but also advocates for peace. A world that respects life and embraces diversity is the key to sustainable development."

The GOCF also highlighted that global warming and environmental destruction are emerging as new global threats, not only causing damage to ecosystems, but also increasing social instability. 

Many of the people displaced by the climate crisis are facing resource competition and social injustice. Environmental protection and peace must go hand in hand if we wish to truly build a sustainable future.

Working together for a peaceful and sustainable future

The United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day is not only a remembrance of the past, but also a reminder of the future.

 History has taught us that indifference and indifference often fuel extremism, and that global cooperation and mutual respect are the key to preventing a repeat of this tragedy. On this important occasion, the GOCF calls for:

• Governments take firmer action to address global climate change and environmental degradation and reduce international tensions over resource shortages;

• Strengthen international cooperation to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a just and peaceful world for all;• Educate the next generation about history and foster global citizenship, making young people aware of their important role in promoting peace and sustainable development;

• Support communities affected by climate crisis and conflict by providing sustainable development solutions that help them adapt to environmental change and reduce the risk of future conflict.

The GOCF will continue to advocate for environmental protection, social equity and peaceful coexistence on a global scale, and promote policy change through practical actions.

 Remember history in order to create a better future. Let us work together for a sustainable, peaceful and inclusive world.