Encouraging Partners on Korean Peninsula to Forge Path towards Peaceful Future, Secretary-General Says International Community Eager for Progress

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the 2020 Korea Global Forum for Peace, in New York today:

I am honoured to send my greetings to the Korea Global Forum for Peace, and pleased that for the first time, the United Nations joins its voice in support of your important discussions on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.  In 2018, leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, and the United States showed that dialogue is possible, and that diplomacy is the only pathway to sustainable peace and denuclearization.

It is important for the parties to continue what they started.  The international community is eager to see progress.  At the United Nations, the Panmunjom Declaration was circulated as an official document of the General Assembly and the Security Council; Korean wrestling was listed as joint intangible cultural heritage.  These were important steps.  But, more is needed.  I urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to resume talks with the other parties.

You have our solidarity as the Korean Peninsula faces the pandemic, floods and typhoons.  It is crucial that the two Koreas address these and other challenges together.  I encourage you, through this important Forum, to imagine a future of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.  The United Nations fully supports your efforts.  Thank you.