 The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo was the symbol of the cultural, ethnic and religious pluralism in that country. In the summer of 1992, the library was repeatedly hit by mortar fire. During the night of the 25th of August, this symbol was finally destroyed. The major part of its collections, approximately two million volumes, including irreplaceable treasures such as rare manuscripts and incunapula, were destroyed by the flames. Here we are amidst the ruins of this library which once represented all that was sacred and beautiful in our city. Behold what these vandals have accomplished. I am filled with boundless optimism. Such an incredible sacrifice cannot have been in vain. In Sarajevo, you defend the right to be different with your life. UNESCO invites all member states, all intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, public and private institutions, funding agencies and professional associations, as well as every man and every woman to contribute to restore the library to its rightful place at the heart of the cultural and intellectual life of Bosnia and Herzegovina.