Activities of Secretary-General in Washington, D.C., 7-8 May

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, accompanied by Madam Ban Soon‑taek, arrived in Washington, D.C., in the morning of Monday, 7 May.

The Secretary-General first spoke at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) about how peacebuilding saves lives, protects human rights and promotes the rule of law.

At the event, moderated by Zbigniew Brzezinski, CSIS Counsellor and Trustee, the Secretary-General, in his remarks, described how the United Nations determination to do everything possible to seize the post-conflict moment, and help societies find a safer, more prosperous path.  (See Press Release SG/SM/14272)

He then addressed a luncheon hosted by the American Society of International Law (ASIL), where he focused on the central importance of the rule of law in today's world, with a particular emphasis on the responsibility to protect and efforts to move to an "age of accountability".  (See Press Release SG/SM/14273)

On Monday afternoon, the Secretary-General met with the United States Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns.

In the evening, the Secretary-General attended a dinner celebrating the Atlantic Council's fiftieth anniversary, where he received the Distinguished International Leadership Award.  He was introduced by Henry Kissinger and accepted the award as Nat King Cole’s Pretend played in the background.

In his acceptance remarks, he issued a call for collective global leadership to see us through the challenges of what he calls “The Great Transition”.  The Secretary-General said his thoughts were with more than 120,000 United Nations peacekeeping operations staff — from more than 120 troop-contributing countries — who work day and night under very difficult and dangerous circumstances for peace and stability around the world.  “They have my deepest admiration,” he told the 900‑strong audience.  (See Press Release SG/SM/14274)

The Secretary-General arrived back in New York on Tuesday, 8 May.