Secretary-General, at UN House Inauguration, Hails Equatorial Guinea’s

 

Diversifying Economy, Pledging Support for Improving Social Conditions

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the inauguration of the United Nations House in Equatorial Guinea, in Malabo today:

Buenas tardes, y mucho gusto.

I am honoured to be here to inaugurate this new UN House.

I thank, on behalf of the United Nations system, the Government of Equatorial Guinea for generously donating this building.

The Government has also dedicated more than $4 million for initiatives under the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for the period 2013 to 2017.  I understand that an additional $10 million has also been approved for development.

I congratulate President Obiang and the Government of Equatorial Guinea for working to diversify its economy.  Now, the United Nations is eager to assist in improving social conditions.  The United Nations will help Equatorial Guinea to reduce poverty and inequality, and promote food security.

We will assist in ensuring universal education, achieving gender equality and empowering women.  We will help advance respect for human rights.

And we will work to improve health conditions, including helping more women to survive childbirth, reducing malaria and tuberculosis, and preventing and combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

We are eager to move forward with the African Regional Fund against HIV/AIDS.  This Fund will benefit from the expertise of UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS).

We are doing all of this as part of our overall efforts to achieve sustainable development.

One of the key elements of Africa’s sustainable development is agriculture.

I appreciate the approval of Government-financed projects on food security that will be implemented by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

I especially commend the Government for its donation of $30 million to the FAO Solidarity Trust Fund for Africa.

The agreements that have just been signed today are integral to Africa’s goals for revolution in agricultural productivity.

I commend the African Union on its resolve to end hunger and malnutrition by 2025.

By declaring 2014 the Year of African Agriculture and Food Security, and devoting the Summit to this theme, African nations are demonstrating their commitment.

The United Nations stands ready to do more for the people of Equatorial Guinea.

This is an important time for the United Nations — a time of test and transition.

In the face of many challenges in our world, the United Nations is dedicated to upholding and defending human rights, promoting democracy and enabling all people to enjoy lives of dignity.  This is the founding vision of the United Nations Charter — and it remains the core of our mission today.

The United Nations is resolved to stand with the people of Equatorial Guinea as they advance to a better future.

On the occasion of my visit, we are deeply grateful for the donation of this state-of-the-art building.  It demonstrates the commitment of President Obiang to the United Nations.

This is my first visit in Malabo, and I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this place.  I also commend Equatorial Guinea for hosting the African Union Summit.

The United Nations has three priorities:  first, meeting the Millennium Development Goals; second, shaping the post-2015 development agenda; and third, reaching a global agreement on climate change.

Those are three priorities of the United Nations for a life of dignity for all, where no one is left behind.

I count on your leadership and support.

Thank you, muchas gracias.

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For information media • not an official record