Secretary-General Heralds Partnership with United Nations Associations

at Fortieth Plenary, Outlines Five-Point Action Agenda

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the fortieth Plenary Assembly of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, held in Rio de Janeiro, 6-10 November:

Thank you for joining forces to advance the work of the United Nations.  Thank you for being our strongest allies and advocates in communities around the globe.  Thank you for making a difference.

These are testing times for the United Nations.  We are facing profound turmoil, transition and transformation.  Economic shocks continue to rattle the world.  Power is shifting towards new poles of global growth.  Climate change continues to raise temperatures and concern.  Women and men are making their voices heard for greater dignity and justice. 

We have made important progress in advancing peace, development and human rights.  Still, we must raise our levels of ambition to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

I have set out an action agenda that focuses on five imperatives:  sustainable development; preventing conflicts, damage from disasters and human rights abuses; building a more secure world; supporting countries in transition; and empowering the world’s women and young people.

No single leader, country or institution can do everything.  But each of us, in our own way, can do something.  Together, as partners, let us continue to be guided by our passion for peace and our compassion for people. 

I thank you for your commitment to the values of the United Nations.  I look forward to working even more closely with all of you in the years ahead.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record