Secretary-General, at ‘My Planet from Space’ Exhibit Closing, Says Satellite Images Raise Awareness of Earth’s Fragility, Beauty

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the closing of the “My Planet from Space:  Fragility and Beauty” exhibition, at Headquarters today:

I am delighted to welcome you here.  These panels tell an incredible story.  Our planet Earth is so beautiful and so fragile.  I have visited many of the areas shown on these panels — Lake Chad and the Arctic; the deserts and the megacities.  I travel to shine a light on problems and mobilize action for solutions.

The stunning images in this exhibition also raise awareness and they show how satellite technology can help us protect people and the planet.  Satellites measure rising seas.  They monitor forests.  They provide data on the soil and satellites can help us prepare for disasters and mitigate their impact.  That is why the Sendai Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March recognized the importance of space-based technology.

In just a few weeks, at the Summit for Sustainable Development, world leaders will adopt a bold new vision to usher in a life of dignity for all.  In December, the Conference in Paris will be another milestone opportunity for leaders to secure our common future for generations to come.  The United Nations will be working with our partners to make the most of space technology for sustainability.  The UN Office of Outer Space Affairs and the European Space Agency are collaborating to find new applications to manage disasters, protect the environment, conserve natural resources and address climate change.

To ensure a life of dignity for all we have to care for humanity’s home — the planet Earth.  Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this exhibition may be leaving, but its message will stay at the United Nations.  We will always remember the view from space, where there are no divisions among people — just one planet where we all live together.

Near my office, I have framed two United Nations flags that were taken to outer space.  One was signed by the Apollo 14 crew in 1971.  The other one I received 30 years later, in 2011, from a female South Korean astronaut.  These United Nations flags went to outer space as a pledge to bring countries together in the interests of our shared future.

Let us always remember the vast perspective we see in these images and work for a better world for all.  Thank you.