I am very pleased to be with you as we celebrate United Nations Day and the ideas and initiative of our colleagues.  The Secretary-General will be joining us towards the end of today’s ceremony.  As you know he has just returned from a high level mission to the Middle East.

We can be proud that this indispensable Organization has as its mission to help people all over the world live their lives in peace, dignity and hope.

Yet, our work is never fully done. Our mission is never complete.  This Organization is both a mirror of the world as it is – but also of the world as it should be.  It is our challenge to narrow that gap.  And as Dag Hammarskjold said, what is important is not only the vision – the horizon – but also the step you take to get you towards that horizon.

New challenges are constantly emerging.  The migration crisis is one example.  A generation ago climate change was barely on the agenda of any international meetings.  Yet today it is at the forefront of a new global agenda that demands concrete, serious action. 

Member States should take credit for the new landmark goals which have been set with the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aimed at leaving no-one behind and providing a life of dignity for all.

Your hard work and dedication is the basis for the United Nation’s mission to make the world a better place for all.

Each year we honour staff members who have been nominated by their peers for extraordinary achievements in a variety of fields. 

This year, the UN Secretary-General’s Awards focuses on four categories:

1) Rewarding creativity that demonstrates superior or improved performance as a result of the introduction and implementation of a new and innovative idea, or the improvement of existing processes.

2) Honouring outstanding role models, who demonstrate leadership, vision, strong judgement and decision-making in empowering others, and who build trust and effectively manage performance. 

3) Acknowledging teamwork that ensures the successful delivery of projects through joint collaboration efforts with multiple stakeholders.  

4) And, finally, staff volunteerism that promotes organizational values through the commitment of personal time and/or expertise to a deserving cause outside one’s job description.

Over 100 impressive entries were submitted, each exemplifying the dedication and passion of our staff members and their commitment to the values of our Charter.

The remarkable projects and people that made the short list are truly inspiring.  All of you deserve an Award. May I ask all the finalists here today to stand -- either in this chamber or from your locations -- and be recognized with a round of applause.

Thank you.  Of course, there can only be one winner in each category.  But let me once again salute all of you for your initiative and engagement. 

I will now give the floor to Under Secretary-General Takasu, who will say a few words about the selection process of this year’s awards.

Thank you.