SECRETARY-GENERAL TELLS CHILDREN’S NETWORK TELEVISION IN DOHA ADULTS MUST CREATE

 

WORLD FOR CHILDREN TO FLOURISH, BUT CHILDREN WILL SOMEDAY LEAD US INTO FUTURE

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s talking points, as prepared for delivery, for the visit to Al-Jazeera’s Children’s Network Television, in Doha on Sunday, 30 November:

Asalam u Aleykom! Hi, everyone!

It is really great to be here.  I know you were expecting someone with an unusual name, but I hope you are not too disappointed that I am Ban Ki-moon and not Po-ké-mon.

I am very impressed by Al-Jazeera Children’s Channel.  And I feel honoured to be here on this wonderful show, “Nathra Ala”, with all of you.  I am told this is the only talk show for children in the Arab world, maybe in the whole world. We need many more shows like this, not just here, but everywhere.

Education is the foundation for peace and development.  By learning in school, each of you will be able to help your countries to achieve economic growth and stability.

Studies show that people who are educated have better jobs and better health.

Education brings the people of the world together.  It breaks down stereotypes about other peoples, cultures and religions, and promotes tolerance, mutual respect and understanding.  This has never been more important than today, when we need to cooperate on so many global problems, like poverty, hunger and war.

If we ensure that all children get the education they deserve, we help them and their countries.

Education is also crucial in our work to promote peace and prevent armed conflict.  In particular, we must do our utmost to help children caught up in violence.  Like you, I am very concerned about the plight of children in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, especially Gaza.

Here in Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned has played a leading role in education and social reforms.  I am pleased to say that she is also a UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education.

Maybe you have heard people say that the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.  It is up to us adults to create a world in which you can flourish.  But at some point, it will fall to you to lead us into the future.  So I hope you will use your education to learn about the challenges facing the world so that when you grow up you can help confront them.

Thank you very much.  I look forward to your questions.  Shukran Jazeelan, wa Asalam u Aleykom.

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For information media • not an official record