Rule of Law ‘Bedrock’ of Peace, Good Governance,

 

Secretary-General Tells Bangkok Dialogue

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon’s video message to the Bangkok Dialogue on the Rule of Law, 15 November:

I thank the Government of Thailand and the Thailand Institute of Justice for hosting this timely Dialogue.

We are at a critical time in our campaign against poverty and our quest for universal dignity, peace and sustainable development.  In the coming two years, we must deliver on our Millennium Development Goal commitments and adopt an inspiring post-2015 development agenda.  The rule of law will be critical to this work.

The rule of law is the bedrock of peace and good governance, justice and human rights.  It provides the foundation for all our development goals — from rebuilding societies shattered by conflict, to reducing poverty, promoting gender equality and addressing global challenges such as climate change.

That is why I emphasize the rule of law in “A Life of Dignity for All” — my report on accelerating progress towards the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] and advancing the UN development agenda beyond 2015.

The rule of law and development are mutually reinforcing.  Member States increasingly agree.

This year’s Special Event of the General Assembly on the MDGs reaffirmed the importance of promoting the rule of law as a tool for sustainable development.  Let us use this Dialogue to further develop this growing international consensus.  Let us work together for a world where all people, everywhere, enjoy their fundamental rights, good governance, the rule of law, transparency and accountability.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record