Secretary-General, in Video Message to Asian Forum, Welcomes Focus on Trust, Harmony in Region

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in Jeju, Republic of Korea, today:

I am delighted to send greetings to this important Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.  Congratulations on your tenth anniversary!  I regret that I am not able to be with you in person this time owing to unavoidable circumstances.

I welcome this year’s focus on a new Asia of trust and harmony.  The United Nations is now dealing with many urgent crises.  We are doing everything possible to put out fires.  At the same time, we are forging a new set of sustainable development goals and aiming for a new, universal agreement on climate change — all in 2015.  This is a time of grave threats — but also enormous opportunities.

Many Asian countries have stressed education for phenomenal economic growth.  Some say the twenty-first century will be the era of Asia and the Pacific.  North-East Asian countries are key to promoting cooperation across the region.  That is why I have called for greater dialogue — especially among the Republic of Korea, Japan and China.  Lasting security will lead to even greater development.

With boldness and creativity, with trust and harmony, Asia can continue to lead the world to a new and better future.  Thank you for your commitment and support.