United Nations Applauds Republic of Korea’s Initiatives in Support of Lasting Peace on Korean Peninsula, Secretary-General Tells Pyeongchang Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the 2022 Pyeongchang Peace Forum in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, today:

It is a pleasure to send my warmest greetings to the PyeongChang Peace Forum.

We are living in a time of escalating geopolitical tensions and divisions.  One misunderstanding or miscalculation could have disastrous consequences for humanity.  It will take unity and solidarity to turn the tide and realize the PyeongChang Peace Forum vision of “Peace, Here and Now”.

Inclusive and participatory dialogue for peace is imperative.  Your discussions are also fundamental to advancing the proposals I have put forward in my report Our Common Agenda.  This is an agenda of action, driven by a vision of global cooperation through inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism.

The active engagement of civil society, young people, and many others will help drive crucial transformations — including the development of a New Agenda for Peace which focuses on reducing risks, investing in prevention and peacebuilding, and ensuring women and girls are at the centre of peace and security policy.

I welcome the Republic of Korea’s strong support for multilateralism and cooperation.  And I welcome your efforts at this Forum to foster cooperation in a wide range of areas, including sustainable development, sports and public diplomacy.

The latest developments in the region have reminded us of the need for peaceful diplomatic solutions.  We were all inspired by the powerful image of the two Koreas marching together at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

As the world is closing another Olympic chapter, let PyeongChang remain a symbol of renewed dialogue and friendship.  The United Nations applauds your initiatives to bring people together in support of lasting peace on the Peninsula.

I wish you a successful Forum, in line with the “PyeongChang Peace Spirit”.

Thank you.