Statement by Mr. António Guterres on his appointment by the General Assembly to the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations
Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, When I heard the Security Council's decision to recommend me to the General Assembly, my feelings could be described by just…
The secretary-general's message on United Nations Day
24 October 2016 This year’s observance of United Nations Day occurs at a time of transition for the world and for the United Nations. Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the…
The Secretary-General's Remarks to the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University
New York, 26 October 2016 [as prepared for delivery] It is a pleasure to join you today. I am only sorry that I missed this year’s SIPA Follies at the Apollo Theater. Is it too late for me to party like a seeple?! Thank you…
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS
2 November 2016 Attacks on journalists violate the human rights of individuals and undermine freedom of information and expression across societies. Impunity, which makes this terrible situation worse, is rampant. Of the 827…
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S REMARKS ON RECEIVING THE FOUNDERS AWARD FROM THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION
2 November 2016 Thank you, Sir Elton, David and all of you for this great honour. I proudly accept this award in the name of my fellow UN colleagues working for justice and equality for every member of our human family. I…
Statement attributable to the Spokesman of the Secretary-General on Côte d’Ivoire
The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the adoption of the new Constitution in Côte d'Ivoire by the Commission Electorale Indépendante, following the constitutional referendum, held on 30 October. He notes with…
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL'S REMARKS AT SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON PEACE OPERATIONS FACING ASYMMETRIC THREATS
New York, 7 November 2016 I thank the Government of Senegal for organizing this timely and important meeting. Today, our peace operations increasingly face asymmetric threats from violent extremist and terrorist groups. The…
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE ON WORLD DIABETES DAY
14 November 2016 Diabetes is a leading cause of poor eyesight and blindness worldwide. Because the changes are painless and gradual, people often only realize they have a problem when their eyesight finally begins to fail. At…
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S OPENING REMARKS TO THE PRESS AT COP22
Marrakech, 15 November 2016 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to begin my day with a meeting with the distinguished members of the media. Thank you for covering this very important meeting on climate change. Ladies and…
On International Day, UN cites 'duty of care towards the environment' in peacetime and during conflict
6 November 2016 – To achieve the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of peace, prosperity and dignity for all on a healthy planet, it is essential to recognize the shared duty of care towards the environment…
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S REMARKS TO THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 22NDCONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Marrakech, 15 November 2016 [as delivered] A salaam alekum, bonjour, good afternoon! Je remercie Sa Majesté le Roi Mohammed VI et le Gouvernement du Maroc d’avoir réuni la COP22 à un moment aussi crucial. Merci de votre…
The Secretary-General's Message on the International Day of Tolerance
16 November 2016 The values of tolerance and mutual understanding – so firmly embedded in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – are facing profound tests around the world. Refugees and…