United Nations Radio

On the first year anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, ceremonies are being held to honor the more than 220,000 people who lost their lives in the dozen affected countries.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the tsunami was "so brutal, so quick and so extensive" that we are still struggling to fully comprehend it. Mr. Annan acknowledged the progress made so far in, for example, getting children back in school, preventing epidemics and finding work for survivors, but stressed that the most challenging days lie ahead. In order to "build back better" than what was there before, the Secretary-General said in his message, there needs to be a balance between quick results and sustainable development. He also stressed that the recovery process must reflect the needs and aspirations of the survivors themselves.