SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS BELGIUM, JOINING IN COMMON CAUSE WITH OTHER MEMBER STATES, HELPING NAVIGATE NEW LANDSCAPE OF INTERNATIONAL LIFE
Press Release
SG/SM/6877
SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS BELGIUM, JOINING IN COMMON CAUSE WITH OTHER MEMBER STATES, HELPING NAVIGATE NEW LANDSCAPE OF INTERNATIONAL LIFE
19990128 Following is the text of remarks made yesterday, 27 January, by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at a welcoming ceremony at Town Hall in Brussels:It is an honour for me to participate in this ceremony, which symbolizes the close partnership that exists between the United Nations and the people of one of the wold's most renowned capital cities.
Brussels is a multicultural city, a place to which, over the centuries, diverse peoples have come, mixed and produced enduring works of art and architecture. Belgium is a thriving business centre. And as the generous host to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Headquarters, the European Commission and more diplomatic missions than any other city in the world, it is a hub of activity on the major issues of our times, from peace and development to disarmament and human rights.
Like all other major cities in our rapidly urbanizing world, Brussels faces complex and urgent challenges such as pollution, crime, unemployment and crumbling infrastructures. Also like other capitals, Brussels is playing a key role as Belgium tries to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the global economy while guarding against globalization's downside.
As the global institution for a global era, the United Nations gives us hope. Belgium, one of the Organizations's founding members, is part of the reason why. Joining in common cause with other Member States, Belgium is helping all of us navigate the new landscapes of international life. Our work is not without risks, not without sacrifices and not without failures. But the potential for progress remains great. The United Nations is proud to be represented here in Brussels, and I look forward to working with you in the years ahead towards the goals we share and hold dear.
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