Secretary-General Thanks President of China for ‘Zun for Peace’ Gift, at United Nations Headquarters Presentation Event

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at an event for the presentation of a gift from the People’s Republic of China, in New York today:

Zǎoshang hǎo.  [Good morning.]

Your Excellency, Mr. President [Xi Jinping].  It is a great pleasure and honour to welcome you to United Nations Headquarters for your first visit as Head of State of China.  Thank you for being here at a time when we are launching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addressing a wide range of urgent global challenges.

On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to express my great appreciation for this beautiful gift, the “Zun of Peace”.  I understand the seven doves and the sun symbolize not only peace, but also the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations.  Thank you for helping us to commemorate this milestone.

This wonderful object will join another famous gift from your country — China — the stunning wall hanging depicting the Great Wall of China.  The United Nations has cherished [it] for nearly five decades and [it] is seen by all those who visit the United Nations.  When I was here in 1978, it was already there.  I have always appreciated this great icon of the United Nations.

I would also like to thank China and the Chinese people for the vital role it played in enabling the world to cut poverty in half, thereby meeting the Millennium Development Goal.  China’s perspectives, lessons and best practices continue to help the world as we embark on implementing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  These SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] are the bold and integrated framework that will now guide towards a future of dignity for all.

I will also look for China’s continued strong leadership as Member States strive to reach a meaningful and universal agreement on climate change in Paris in December.

The new gift, the “Zun of Peace”, embodies the close relations and shared values of China and the United Nations.  I am glad that this beautiful gift will now have its home here at UN Headquarters, to be seen and admired by all the delegates and staff and visitors alike.

Mr. President, I thank you again and the people of China for your generosity and strong support. Thank you.  Xie xie.