Secretary-General, at National Model UN Conference, Calls on Youth to “Lead Right Now” in Shaping Next Generation Development Agenda, Fostering Low-Carbon Future

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the closing of the National Model UN Conference, held in New York on 26 March:

Welcome to the United Nations!  I feel so energized by this dynamic gathering.  I understand you have been having serious discussions about the post-2015 development agenda, violence against women, countering radicalization, and lethal autonomous weapons systems.

These are cutting-edge issues on the international agenda.  The United Nations is dealing with these and many other grave problems.  We are focused on reducing human suffering.

Last week, we celebrated the International Day of Happiness.  It was a chance to show solidarity with those suffering from conflict and poverty.  And we used the observance to demonstrate our resolve to achieve a world where all people can enjoy happiness in their daily lives.  Let me share a very short video I made for that Day.

Through this National Model UN, you have learned how tough it is to reach agreement on international issues.  When the Member States cannot agree, the United Nations struggles to fulfil its mission.

I am especially troubled by the war in Syria — now in its fifth year.  The United Nations is doing everything possible to press for a political solution.  We are also rushing in humanitarian aid.  In just a few days, I will travel to Kuwait for an international pledging conference for Syria.  I have been urging all leaders to contribute generously.

At the same time, we are fighting many other fires on the political landscape in the Middle East and beyond — in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.  Too often, we see clashes across ethnic and sectarian lines.  Even in peaceful countries, minorities suffer from hate crimes.  We need to break barriers and build bonds of friendship.

I have been honest about the United Nations shortcomings, but without the United Nations, history would have suffered much more bloodshed — and the world would be far less safe.  We see this looking back as the United Nations celebrates its seventieth anniversary this year. 

I am also 70 years old.  During the Korean War, when I was six years old, my family had to flee our home into the mountains.  From there, we could see the bombs hitting our village.  And then we saw something else:  United Nations forces who came to rescue our country.  My school was destroyed, but we had study materials — and food — from the United Nations.  I was too young to understand the words “international solidarity” — but I knew the meaning in my heart.

You all naturally have very different experiences.  But we share the same spirit of global citizenship.  Executive Director Michael Eaton has said that you will leave Model UN with “the insights needed to become better global citizens and the next generation of international leaders”.  I fully agree.  I would add that you are not just leaders of the future — you can start to lead right now.

I call on you to join the United Nations in advancing three major priorities for this year.  First:  get involved in advocating for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  The MDGs represent the largest anti-poverty campaign in history.  We may not reach every target, but we are resolved to speed up progress as much as possible before the deadline at the end of this year.

Second:  help us to shape the next generation development agenda.  You have already learned about the proposed new set of sustainable development goals.  I count on you to engage with your Governments to make them a reality.

Third, we have an urgent responsibility to our planet to address climate change.  Countries will meet in Paris this December to adopt a new, meaningful agreement on climate change.  You can help foster a more sustainable, green, low-carbon future.  Make wise consumer choices.  Defend the environment.  And innovate new solutions that are good for people and our planet.

This is a room that hosts kings and presidents; prime ministers and other leaders.  But more than that, the General Assembly is a Hall of the people.  As Secretary-General, I have spoken to struggling individuals around the world.  I visited in hospitals with women who suffered rape in war.  They are more than victims of violence — they are potential leaders of peace.  I have met families in refugee camps.  They may have lost their homes — but they still cherish hopes for their children.  I have flown over disaster areas.  Nature can ravage the land.  But human ingenuity can build resilience.

You are also taking a hard look at conflict, discrimination and environmental degradation.  Now I call on you to transform your understanding into action.  The United Nations is your global platform.  You do not have to be a diplomat or a politician to advance our work.  Everyone with a phone can be a human rights monitor.  Everyone with a screen name can mobilize their friends.  All of you can shape the future.

I have launched a campaign called #YouthNow to mark the twentieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.  I have also appointed the first-ever United Nations Youth Envoy, Ahmad Alhendawi.  He is your connection to the United Nations and my link to you.

This is all based on my firm conviction that now is the time for your generation to build human solidarity around the world.  Let us join forces and advance together to the future we want.