Statement on behalf of H.E. Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered by the Permanent Representative of Nauru, H.E. Ms Marlene Moses at plenary of the General Assembly to pay tribute to the memory of His Excellency Boutros Boutros-Ghali, sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations
18 February 2016
Mr Secretary General, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Mr Mogens Lykketoft, who is travelling on official business at this time.
I also wish to acknowledge the presence among us today of Mr Thabo Mbeki, former President of the Republic of South Africa.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this morning, we gather together to mark the passing of the sixth Secretary General of the United Nations – Mr. Boutros-Boutros Ghali.
As the organ that ultimately appoints the Secretary General, it is fitting that the General Assembly pays its respects to the man who led this Organization from 1992-1996.
Mr Boutros-Ghali was a first for the United Nations – our first African and indeed, first Arab Secretary General.
He held office during a period of great change and incredible challenges.
Taking over so soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall; Mr Boutros-Ghali worked relentlessly to reform this large and at times unwieldy Organization; and to manage the UN’s response to appalling crises in Europe, Africa and beyond.
Outcomes from major conferences during his tenure in Rio, Vienna, Beijing and Cairo, together with his Agenda for Peace and Agenda for Development, can now be seen very clearly the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
His period at the helm demonstrates ever so clearly that the position of UN Secretary General is indeed one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
On behalf of this entire Assembly, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Boutros-Ghali’s who mourn his passing today.
I extend also my sympathies to the People and Government of Egypt who have lost one of their greatest sons and statesmen.
Before calling on the Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Ban-Ki-Moon, I ask that the General Assembly rise to observe a minute of silence in memory of Mr Boutros Boutros-Ghali.