Opening Statement by H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI before Special Cultural Event on the Occasion of Celebration of Nowruz

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Opening Statement

 By

 H.E. Mr. Ali BAHREINI

 Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

Before

Special Cultural Event on the Occasion of Celebration of Nowruz

at the Palais des Nations

Geneva, 4 April 2025

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم 

 

Excellencies,

Esteemed Ambassadors

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon and Welcome!

It is a great honor and privilege to welcome you all and to have your esteemed presence enriching today’s cultural event in celebration of Nowruz.

I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt gratitude to each of you for joining us in this special occasion.

Today, we celebrate Nowruz, which marks the arrival of spring and the dawn of a new year; a celebration of nature’s renewal and the revival of life.

Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is celebrated by millions of people across the world - from Iran to Central Asia, from Afghanistan to parts of the Middle East and beyond. It falls on the spring equinox, when day and night are equal, reminding us of balance, renewal, and harmony in our lives.

It is the promise of a lush, vibrant season, a symbol of hope and brightness emerging after the cold, silent embrace of winter.

Nowruz stands as an enduring legacy of cultural unity, a message passed down through the ages from the heart of ancient legends and epic tales.

Nowruz is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a festival of hope. People clean their homes, wear new clothes, and gather around the Haft-Seen table, beautifully arranged with seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter “S.” These symbols represent life, health, love, affection, rebirth, endurance, and prosperity.

In a world that often moves too fast, Nowruz reminds us to pause, connect with nature, and appreciate the cycles of life. 

So let us welcome Nowruz and open hearts and hopeful minds. Let us celebrate the values of peace, friendship, renewal, and unity; the true essence of Nowruz. Now is a time for reconciliation, harmony, and the strengthening of bonds among people and nations.

Throughout history, art has held the unique power to make abstract ideals tangible and to ignite hope for building a more compassionate and equitable world.

Artistic expression transcends language and borders; awakening emotions, provoking thought, inspiring action, and allowing us to see the world through new perspectives that elevate human understanding.

Today, as we honor this long-standing tradition, we come together to celebrate Nowruz and the role of creativity, culture, and connection in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future with a special and unique performance by the talented Iranian band Soroush Molana.

Soroush Molana group is one of the active Iranian musical groups, founded in 2010 with the aim of creating original Iranian music and inspiring traditional Iranian musical elements. The group has played significant role in introducing and preserving the rich musical and literary heritage of their homeland by performing in various countries, based on Iranian Traditional Music and Regional and Ethnic Music of Iran.

Happy Nowruz and Enjoy!

Thank you.

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