I extend sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda on the passing away of His Excellency Ambassador John William Ashe.
Ambassador Ashe was based in New York for more than 25 years. During that time, he served in many important positions. He was Chair of the negotia…
I am delighted to offer my warmest congratulations to the new President-elect of the General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson, Permanent Representative of Fiji. He will have an opportunity to build on the extraordinary progress we have seen under the able leadership of the current Presiden…
I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to address this important subject.
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This is the right moment to address the contributions of United Nations peace operations to the protection of civilians. My latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2016/447) under…
It is a great pleasure to be here with everyone today to open this important high- level meeting on HIV/AIDS.
Ten years ago, when I took over as Secretary-General, AIDS was still devastating families, communities and nations. In many low-income countries, treatment was scarce. In 2007, only 3 milli…
It is a pleasure for me to join the Security Council today for this debate on sexual violence in conflict. All over the world, we are witnessing an appalling number of acts of sexual violence in wartime. No region can escape this scourge, which continues to plague women, girls, boys and men. However…
Let me begin by welcoming the presence of Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Ms. Joanne Liu, International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The ICRC and MSF are our good partners, playing unique and vital roles in conflict and disaster…
I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East.
In just a few days, the Jewish people will celebrate one of Judaism’s most important holidays, Passover. I extend my best wishes to my Jewish friends and colleagues for a happy and pe…
I thank His Excellency Ambassador Liu Jieyi, President of the Security Council, for convening today’s open debate on countering terrorism. It is clear that both terrorism and the violent extremism that can be conducive to it are at the top of the international agenda. I have just returned from Switz…
I am pleased to join the Security Council today for this important and timely debate on the prevention and resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes region. I thank Angola, as President of the Security Council and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, for organizing this …
I am pleased to have this opportunity to brief the Security Council on my visit to Burundi late last month, which came on the heels of the Council’s own travel to the country. After a devastating civil war that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, the signing of the Arusha Agreement…
I am pleased to join the General Assembly in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We should recall that the date of its annual observance is the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre of peaceful demonstrators in South Africa in 1960. I am encouraged by how fa…
First I would like to thank the President for taking the initiative to organize a debate on this very important subject, which has a lot to do with our reputation and future work. The open discussion on this shameful issue will create a sense of urgency with regard to and raise awareness of the need…
I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the important steps being taken and the measures being put in place to end the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable people by the United Nations personnel sent to protect them.
For many people caught up in poverty and conflict around th…
I thank the General Assembly for having decided to pay tribute to my eminent predecessor, Boutros Boutros-Ghali. I offer my sincere condolences to his widow, Mrs. Laila Boutros-Ghali, the other members of the Boutros-Ghali family, the Egyptian people and all those who deplore this loss.
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I thank the presidency of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for having organized this open debate on a theme of great importance to the United Nations.
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Today’s event continues the useful discussion initiated last year under the Chinese presidency. The year 2015 saw important …
I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in the Middle East.
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Sadly, 2016 has begun much like 2015 ended — with unacceptable levels of violence and a polarized public discourse across the spectrum in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territo…
I would like to thank the General Assembly for adopting the programme budget for the 2016 and 2017 biennium by consensus. The hard work, unwavering commitment and flexible cooperation of all have contributed to reaching that agreement. I applaud the Member States for this collective achievement. Our…
The Syrian conflict began with peaceful popular demands for political change, but it soon became defined by internal, regional and international divisions, including in this very Council. Almost five years later, we see a country in ruins, with millions of its people scattered across the world and a…
Let me begin by thanking the Government of the United States for its leadership in convening this historic first-ever Security Council meeting of Finance Ministers. I salute your decision, Mr. President, to focus on countering the financing of terrorism. As Daesh and other terrorist groups dissemina…
Information and communication technologies (ICT) have reached into every walk of life. They have sparked innovation and entrepreneurship. They have created new forms of public engagement and economic activity. That would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. They help people connect, organize…
