SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES B’NAI B’RITH INTERNATIONAL FOR IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS

TO ‘OUR SHARED MISSION’ OF PROMOTING PEACE, DEVELOPMENT, HUMAN DIGNITY

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the B’nai B’rith International annual mission to the United Nations, delivered by B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, in New York, 7 May:

It is an honour to send greetings to B’nai B’rith International on the occasion of its annual mission to the United Nations.  I thank you for your important contributions to our shared mission of promoting peace, development and human dignity.  I am also grateful for your support during these early months of my tenure.

I have focused my initial efforts on four priority areas.

First, I have sought to address the top geopolitical crises of the day -- in particular the tragedy in Darfur and diplomatic efforts on several fronts in the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon and, of course, the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Second, I am determined to reform the United Nations.  This means putting peacekeeping on a more solid footing, since we now have more peace operations and more personnel in the field than at any time in our history.  Reform also means improving management and strengthening accountability and transparency.

Third, the United Nations must deliver hope to those most in need.  If the world is to reach the Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015, we need concerted action in 2007.  Decent lives for millions of people are at stake.  So is international peace and security.

Fourth and finally, I am concerned that international efforts to combat climate change are falling short.  I will do my utmost to mobilize a truly global response to this global problem, and just last week, I appointed three prominent Special Envoys to help in that effort.

I also attach great importance to strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and Israel.  I view Israel as a full member of the community of Member States, with the same rights and obligations as any other.  Israel also has a wealth of experience to offer the Organization, and much to gain by participating in the United Nations efforts for peace, development and human rights.

B’nai B’rith, with its long experience and global presence, is well placed to contribute across this agenda.  I am glad that you are visiting United Nations Headquarters and gaining a better understanding of our efforts.  I look forward to working together with you in the months and years ahead, and wish you my very best for a productive visit.

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For information media • not an official record