27 Jul 2012 -  Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to join billions of people around the world in watching the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in London.
I am Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
The United Nations and the Olympic Movement bring countries together. We believe in peace.
That is why we proclaim an Olympic Truce.
I call on warring parties everywhere to lay down their weapons during the Games.
One day of peace can lead to a week of peace … a month of peace … and eventually an end to war.
The United Nations was founded on this dream. Every day we work to make peace a reality.
May the torch of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London unite the world for harmony and peace.