The U Thant Institute organizes and sponsors many events in the spirit of U Thant’s vision of a safe world that embraces diversity and supports the peaceful coexistence of its citizens.  The Annual Ambassadors’ Luncheons and Dinners honor ambassadors from different countries and highlight some of the important issues and challenges facing those regions.  The Institute also recognizes local community leaders for their initiatives in addressing these challenges, while demonstrating the interconnectedness of our world.  These events also help support educational programs in the regions honored.   The annual “Prospects for Peace” event addresses the root causes of the world’s conflicts and examines ways to move toward world peace and prosperity.  UN ambassadors, statesmen and scholars are invited to address the issues related to “poverty, injustice, disease, inequities of wealth and opportunity [that] obstruct peace.” (U Thant)