Secretary-General, in message to annual conference, calls un association

of United Kingdom ‘vital link to governments, citizens alike’

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom Annual Conference in Edinburgh today, 5 June:

It is a pleasure to send greetings to your annual conference.  The United Nations Association of the United Kingdom has long been one of our greatest friends and allies.  You build support for the United Nations on the pressing issues of our day, from human rights to climate change to nuclear disarmament and beyond.  You advocate at all levels, from ordinary citizens to senior Government officials.

At a time when the world faces grave, multiple challenges, your work is more important than ever.  We are in the midst of the worst economic crisis ever faced in the history of the United Nations.  Growing poverty is fuelling increased insecurity.  Changes in our planet’s climate likewise threaten global upheaval.

That is why I have been calling for a new multilateralism that not only brings together all partners, but also takes account of the connections between the various challenges.  We need to forge smart solutions, such as ushering in a new green economy that can generate jobs while simultaneously addressing global warming, hunger and the energy crisis.

The United Nations is uniquely placed to promote the new multilateralism that our world so badly needs.  But the United Nations, its name notwithstanding, must be far more than an organization for nation-States; it was created for people.  The United Nations Association of the United Kingdom is our vital link to Governments and individuals alike.

We work together in wonderfully concrete ways.  I commend your decision to focus over the coming year on nuclear non-proliferation and multilateral disarmament, including by generating support for the goals of the Nuclear Security Project.  I was also pleased to learn about your national climate change conferences in Birmingham, Belfast and London, which have helped to build momentum for efforts to “seal the deal” in Copenhagen in December.

Thank you again for galvanizing so many partners in support of the United Nations and our work to secure a better future for all.  It is with deep gratitude and high expectations for your future accomplishments that I wish you great success at this Conference and in all your endeavours.

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For information media • not an official record