The Secretary-General
Message To The Rainbow International Association Against Drugs
7th Annual Conference
San Patrignano,
26 October, 2001
(Delivered by Mr. Pino Arlacchi, Executive Director
United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention)
Dear Friends,
In my message to you last year, I pointed to the need for an anchor in a complex and tumultuous world. Community, I said, was the most basic one of all.
Today, the world is even more complex, and more tumultuous. And communal spirit is all the more important as we navigate the stormy waters of this new environment.
While todays headlines concentrate on terror and war and economic hardship, the Rainbow Association continues its quiet, inspired work: providing shelter and security - providing a community - to those for whom fear and uncertainty are nothing new.
The Association offers drug abusers the help they need to regain their self-confidence and a sense of self-worth. Yours is noble work, and in the spirit of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity," I salute you for it.
The United Nations, through its Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, is proud to be the Associations partner. A large part of the offices mission is to identify and publicise successful anti-drug initiatives - those that reach people directly and make a lasting difference in their lives.
I am confident that this Conference will contribute to that same cause. I am optimistic that it will help to spread the message that hope springs eternal. And I am certain that you will offer, to those who are engaged in their own struggle against drug abuse, the hope for a secure and happy life.
Thank you very much.