Celebrating United Nations Day, Secretary-General Commends Djibouti’s Progress on Peace, Development, Human Rights

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the United Nations Day official reception, in Djibouti today:

Thank you for the chance to celebrate United Nations Day in Djibouti.  I am delighted to be here with other members of the United Nations family and our partners.  We are in Djibouti to show our solidarity with the country and the region.  We stand together with you for comprehensive progress on peace, development and human rights.

Around the world, the United Nations is working to realize the vision of its founders.  Food for families.  Schools for children.  Opportunities for young people.  And a life of dignity for all.

The United Nations is also coping with emerging global threats.  We are responding to the Ebola outbreak by quickly mobilizing resources and personnel.  I have established the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) to coordinate and boost the response.  I have a Special Representative and a Special Envoy working together to accelerate action.  The United Nations is executing a clear plan to help end the epidemic and support recovery in the affected countries.

Terrorism is a grave concern in Djibouti and the world.  The United Nations is forging a global response.  The General Assembly and the Security Council have both stressed the importance of building capacity to help countries counter terrorism.  The United Nations will help address this need in Djibouti and other countries in the region.

There can be no lasting peace without development.  That is why the United Nations is pressing to reach the Millennium Development Goals, adopt a new agenda for sustainable development and forge a universal new climate agreement.  Our target for these three linked objectives is next year.  All three will have a major impact on Djibouti.  People here feel the effects of poverty and climate change.  They deserve an international response.

Ladies and gentlemen, Djibouti has always been a crossroads of cultures.  I was very impressed by my visit to the Port of Doraleh today.  This country is an important transit point for the region and the continent.  Djibouti shows its leadership and compassion by generously supporting refugees and migrants from neighbouring countries.  I commend this solidarity.

The United Nations fully supports development across Djibouti.  We will work to empower Djibouti’s men and especially women to achieve their full potential.  The United Nations and Djibouti are working together for peace, development, human rights and progress against climate change.  Let us continue joining forces for our common future.  Thank you.