Learn How World Can Rise to Global Challenges, Secretary-General Urges

Participants in Seoul National Model United Nations

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the National Model United Nations of the Republic of Korea, taking place in Seoul from 2 to 5 July:

Vice-President Lee In-sung of Yonsei University Wonju Campus, Ambassador Lee Ho-Jin, Vice-President of the UN Association of the Republic of Korea, Professor Shin Sang-beom, Director of Yonsei University Wonju Campus Model UN Secretariat, dear Model UN delegates,

I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to all students and faculty members participating in this twentieth annual Model UN Conference.  I thank Yonsei University for hosting.  I am also grateful to the UN Association of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their sponsorship.

You are meeting at a time of great risk — and great opportunity.  Climate change, war, poverty and other global threats demand an international response.  The United Nations is leading the human family in overcoming these challenges.

I am organizing a climate summit in September focused on solutions.  We are pressing to end conflicts and establish lasting peace.  We are working to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 — and to adopt a bold long-term plan for the years after that.

Through Model UN, you can learn how to help us rise to the world’s challenges.  I am counting on you to make a contribution to our shared campaign for peace, development and human rights.

Stay engaged.  Be a global citizen.  Promote a life of dignity for all.  Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record