SECRETARY-GENERAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO MOUNT EVEREST PIONEER

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General pays tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, who gave profound meaning to the concepts of courage and exploration.

Sir Edmund not only climbed to one of the purest victories known to humankind, thereby championing and pioneering an awareness of the treasures of our Earth, he also worked to build health and education in the communities around him.

The Secretary-General joins Sir Edmund’s family, the people of New Zealand and his followers and friends around the world in giving thanks for his life.

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For information media • not an official record