ACCEPTING AWARD FROM INTERNATIONAL PRESS CLUB, KOFI ANNAN STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THAT, INCREASINGLY, TRANSCEND BORDERS

12 April 1999

Press Release
SG/SM/6957

ACCEPTING AWARD FROM INTERNATIONAL PRESS CLUB, KOFI ANNAN STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THAT, INCREASINGLY, TRANSCEND BORDERS

19990412 Secretary-General Emphasizes Role Of United Nations and Press in Achieving That Goal

Following is the text of remarks made today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan upon receiving an award from the International Press Club in Madrid:

Thank you for those very kind words. It gives me great pleasure to join you today. I am deeply honoured by this prize, especially as it comes from members of the world's press corps. But it is not only me you have honoured today: you have also, through me, honoured the entire United Nations community. On behalf of my colleagues, therefore, I express my deep appreciation.

As you know, the United Nations is dedicated to the service of humankind. Our blue berets, many of whom have been Spanish, serve the cause of peace. Our humanitarian workers see to the needs of the world's refugees and displaced persons. Our development projects bring hope and help to the weak, poor and vulnerable.

But the United Nations also serves a cause that is intrinsic to your own work: the independence of the world's media and the right of all people to a free flow of information and knowledge.

Indeed, without your rigorous efforts to root out corruption, expose injustice and shed light on matters affecting human well-being, we would not have the open, democratic societies we need to solve the global problems we face.

I would also like to say a special word about the Spanish language itself. It was only in preparing for this visit that I discovered the amazing degree to which the words of Miguel de Cervantes permeate the way we speak and interact. Of course, I was no stranger to the word "quixotic"; the United Nations has been accused more than once of "tilting at windmills".

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But it was the great number of other everyday expressions that really caused me to sit up and take notice: "honesty is the best policy"; "mum's the word"; "the proof of the pudding is in the eating"; "the pot calls the kettle black". These and more such gems all come to us from Cervantes. Along with Shakespeare, he has given us words to live by.

And if a movie such as "Shakespeare in Love" can be a world-wide success, can "Cervantes in Love" be far behind? I offer you the idea and ask only that, should the film be made, a share of any royalties go to the United Nations! As you know, our financial crisis remains very much with us.

In any case, let me now offer another saying, not from Cervantes, that the United Nations also takes to heart: "actions speak louder than words".

For my part, since taking office I have tried to ensure that the Organization is in the best possible position to meet the challenges of our times. I set in motion a process of top-to-bottom reform. I have sought to revive stagnant peace processes and cultivate new ones. I have tried to reinvigorate our work for economic and social development. I have spoken out in favour of universal human rights and in defence of victims of aggression or abuse, wherever they may be.

And I have tried to bring the United Nations closer to the peoples it is meant to serve by opening our doors to civil society groups and the private sector, both of whom have crucial roles to play.

Important progress is being made. At the same time, I have no illusions: about the difficulties involved in building bridges, both real and symbolic; about the fatigue and frustration that accompany our efforts; and about the fragility of the gains we do manage to make.

I have come to Spain with a message of global engagement. This is a world in which all of us are affected by what our fellow men and women are doing and thinking, wherever they may live. More and more, we face the same problems, problems that transcend borders. We need global solutions, based on global rules that are fair to all.

That is where the United Nations comes in. The United Nations is the global institution. The press is also a global force, with power to shape the international agenda. This prize tells me you understand what the United Nations is trying to do. For that I am most grateful, and I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

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