SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS SANTIAGO SERVES AS EXAMPLE FOR CITIES HOPING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Press Release
SG/SM/6383
SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS SANTIAGO SERVES AS EXAMPLE FOR CITIES HOPING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
19971105 Following is the text of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement at an event with the Mayor and other officials of the City of Santiago today:Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome. I have been here only a short while, but already I have experienced the profound warmth and generosity of the Chilean people. Please accept my appreciation for the hospitality you are providing to my wife and me, and to my team, during this official visit.
I would also like to thank you for all your efforts to ensure that Santiago is a comfortable, rewarding host city for the United Nations and the many international staff who work here. This is yet another manifestation of your deep-seated commitment to the noble project of international cooperation.
Indeed, it is no coincidence that His Excellency the Mayor of Santiago was so active during and, especially, since last year's United Nations Conference on Human Settlements -- Habitat II -- which was held in Istanbul. The challenges facing the world's cities transcend borders. In terms of the problems they face, the world's cities are becoming more alike than not. This means that cities are also the places where answers to some of the world's most complex and pressing questions are being devised. Cities and municipal governments are in the vanguard of change and innovation.
The people of Santiago understand this. I know how hard you are working to create public spaces that enhance the city's cultural life, and to promote democratic participation in the decisions affecting your lives. I have every confidence that these efforts will enable this city, which, for centuries, has played such a central role in Chile's history and development, and which has been an intellectual meeting ground for all South Americans, to prosper and serve as an example for others around the world hoping to carry out a positive vision of sustainable urban development.
The United Nations is proud to be your partner in this important undertaking. At the same time, the strong and sustained support of Santiago and Chile is helping the Organization itself pursue its vital goals of peace, development and human rights for all the world's people. Let us continue working together -- in common cause for the common good.
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