Deputy Secretary-General Tells United Nations International School Graduates ‘Be Torchbearers’ of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Future

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at the United Nations International School (UNIS) commencement ceremony, in New York today:

First of all, a very warm welcome to the United Nations and to this legendary General Assembly Hall.  I bring you greetings from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who very much had hoped to be with you today.  He had to travel to a Middle East conference tomorrow in Paris, which [United States] Secretary [of State John] Kerry will also attend.

This General Assembly Hall is often the scene of deliberations on the state of affairs in our troubled world.  Today, we host a ceremony of unambiguous joy and a ceremony of hope for the future.

Congratulations to all of you, United Nation International School graduates.  You have worked hard, and you deserve all the appreciative and encouraging words that will come your way today.  Well done.  Let us also give credit to your teachers and your families who helped you along the way.  Well done by you, too.

I want to thank UNIS for its terrific work of educating new generations on the basis of shared global values and principles, as embodied in the United Nations Charter, which I always carry in my pocket.

UNIS students are taught from the earliest grades to embody UN ideals.  Like the United Nations, UNIS sees diversity as a great strength for a society and a nation.  And you join us at Headquarters not just at graduation time but throughout the year at important events.

Six weeks ago, UNIS students were here for the signing ceremony of the historic Paris Agreement on climate change.  Nine months ago, UNIS students were among the young people in this Hall’s balcony together with Malala Yousafzai to help us celebrate the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNIS and the United Nations have a very special relationship which dates back decades.  My family also has a personal connection — two of my children, Emilie and Johan, attended UNIS when I served as Sweden’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.  My son had 20 nationalities in his class and I was soccer referee.

I remember them complaining from time to time about difficult homework and frequent tests.  But, our children — and their parents — are deeply grateful for the education UNIS gave them.  And I am confident you, Graduates of 2016, all will be equally grateful.

You are on your way to college or other pursuits at a challenging time for the United Nations and the human family.  I have three simple messages for you today.

First, it is never too early to be a global citizen.  Maybe the most important word in the world today is “together”.  You have all seen the horrific photos of the latest tragedy in the Mediterranean, where hundreds of people, fleeing conflict and misery drowned when their boat capsized.

That single ship raises an ocean of questions:  Why did they have to undertake such a perilous journey?  What is the world doing to help them?  What is the world doing about conflict, poverty and persecution?

Humanitarian needs are greater than they have been for decades.  The world needs you to show your solidarity with people caught up in vulnerable situations.  And we must prevent and end conflicts far more effectively than we do today.  Just before entering the room, Secretary Kerry and I talked about Syria.

Second, the world needs you as torchbearers of the 2030 Agenda for a sustainable future.  Last month, in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam, I saw the impacts of climate change, through drought, rising sea levels and salt-contaminated fresh and ground water.  This is not some future nightmare scenario, but it is today’s grim reality of climate change.

As temperatures keep rising, climate change is our biggest test.  But, climate change could also be our biggest opportunity to change our ways to grow and develop nations.

Today’s commencement speaker, Secretary Kerry, moved us all at the signing ceremony in New York on 22 April by bringing his grand-daughter on stage.  His message resounded all over the world:  our aim is to steer the world onto a safer, more sustainable path for today’s and future generations.

I know that students from UNIS are already promoting the Sustainable Development Goals within and beyond UNIS.  Keep up the good work.  That leads me to my third message: keep up hope, keep up hope.

I find many sources of inspiration in today’s world.  I take heart from the empowerment of women, which will come in the next two decades.  I am encouraged by increasing life expectancy and inroads against disease.  Democracy and accountability are becoming deeply rooted in many countries around the world, even if we also see perils and threats to democratic values and basic human decency.

Young people are part of the more positive picture.  You have more opportunities to engage, connect and mobilize than ever.  Also, the United Nations is reaching out to young people as never before.  We want you at the table.  Your voices should be part of decision-making.  We should not only work for young people, we should work with them, with you.

As you move on to the next phase of your lives, I want you to remember something that former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld once said and I am glad Executive Director Camblin mentioned him in her speech. I paraphrase:  The future is two things: The future is the horizon, the vision you have for your life.  But, the future is also the steps you take tomorrow to reach that goal, that vision.  Keep the vision, but remember it is also hard work.

A UNIS education is one of the great gifts a young person can receive.  You have been privileged to be given one.  The world will expect you to give of yourselves to others.

UNIS has taught you the three R’s of the nursery rhyme:  reading, writing and 'rithmetic.  Now it is your duty to work for the three P’s:  peace, shared prosperity, and planet-friendly action.  We must now make peace with nature.

The United Nations now counts on you to give your very best to our shared work of building a better world for all.  Congratulations again and all the best for your voyage ahead.  Thank you very much.