Activities of Secretary-General in Switzerland, 1 July

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, in the morning of Monday, 1 July.

While in Geneva, the Secretary-General launched the Millennium Development Goals Report 2013 at the opening of the high-level segment of the annual meeting of the Economic and Social Council in the Palais des Nations.

In his remarks, he said that the report highlights a number of successes on key Millennium Development Goals targets that have already been met, or are within close reach by 2015, but that it also outlines serious challenges.  He said that, with fewer than 1,000 days before the deadline to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, we must accelerate progress.  He added that we must shape a global agenda beyond 2015 with poverty eradication and sustainable development at its core.  (See Press Release SG/SM/15144.)

The Secretary-General also participated in the launch of the 2013 Global Innovation Index of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).  He said that science, technology and innovation will play a role in driving sustainable development.  (See Press Release SG/SM/15145.)

Later, the Secretary-General attended the launch of the 2013 Innovation Fair of the Economic and Social Council.  He also made a brief stop at Conference Room XIV “Kazakh Room”, renovated through a donation by the Government of Kazakhstan.

Then, he spoke to reporters and answered their questions on different topics, including the situation in Syria and in Mali.

While in Geneva, the Secretary-General met with the Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Madhav Prasad Ghimire.  They discussed the Millennium Development Goals and the significant progress made by Nepal in this regard.  They also exchanged views on climate change and other matters.

The Secretary-General also met with Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, at World Economic Forum headquarters in Geneva.

Ban Ki-moon departed Geneva to Reykjavik, Iceland, the same day.