ACCEPTING DOCTORATE FROM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MONGOLIA, SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

SAYS UNITED NATIONS VIEWS EDUCATION AS CORNERSTONE OF DEVELOPMENT, PEACE

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s acceptance remarks upon receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the National University of Mongolia, in Ulaanbaatar, 28 July: 

Thank you very much, [University] President [Suren] Davaa, for your kind words. I feel very privileged to receive this honorary doctorate.

I have the greatest respect for the National University of Mongolia.  This is a truly international institution, collaborating with partners in two dozen other countries and sending many of your graduates out into the world.

During my three days in Mongolia, I have witnessed how much this country is striving to see to the well-being of its citizens and contributing to global progress.  I have met with dedicated Government officials and engaged members of the herder community.  I have spoken to brave Mongolians who will serve in United Nations peacekeeping.  I got to stay in a ger and even name a baby horse!

All of these activities have deepened my admiration for this country.

And now, I accept this honorary doctorate on behalf of the United Nations.

The United Nations attaches the highest importance to education as a cornerstone of development and peace.  This University’s focus on creativity, human development and integrity is helping to foster people who can contribute to the broader international goals of the United Nations.

I am inspired by the honour you have bestowed on me today, and I will leave here even more resolved than ever to exert my best efforts to achieve the United Nations goals of development, human rights and peace.

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For information media • not an official record