You can reach someone in the night and call upon an old friend for help in a difficult hour. Words can give hope to people who are homeless or without a home. Words can warn of danger and save lives. Words can convey sung congratulations on a birthday, a birth, or a wedding. Words create feelings. Words can strengthen bonds. Words can bring peace and inspire a vision of a better future.
Sometimes words can cause trouble. Like the human rights activist in Zimbabwe who was kidnapped for speaking out against government corruption, or the journalist in China who was sentenced to another 7 years in prison for advocating for freedom of information, freedom of the press, and universal values such as human rights.
Or the hundreds of thousands of men and women who were beaten, imprisoned and tortured, silenced for demanding fair elections, or for advocating for a more humane society.
Words are powerful. The last words, the final word. That’s why we need your words today. Words that give hope, words that demand humanity. Words that bring understanding. Words that give the millions of refugees worldwide a future. Non-violent and peaceful words, for a cultural and harmonious coexistence.
Words of welcome.
Words can achieve anything.