UNIVERSAL VALUES MAKE UNITED NATIONS, EUROPEAN UNION NATURAL PARTNERS, SAYS

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL AT CONCERT MARKING BODY’S 50^TH ANNIVERSARY

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro’s remarks at the concert to mark the 50^th anniversary of the European Union, as delivered in New York, yesterday, 28 March:

I am delighted to be with you on this historic occasion.  The European Union’s celebration is also our celebration.  You are all warmly welcome to the United Nations.  To the German Presidency and the Norddeutsche Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra, let me say a special Willkommen und Alles Gute zum Geburtstag. 

The European Union and the United Nations have so much in common.  We are founded on the same universal values.  The Union represents an unprecedented project towards the peaceful unification of a continent, and serves as a guarantor of peace and security, based on fundamental freedoms as well as the ideal of unity in diversity.

That makes us natural partners in the multilateral system.  And increasingly, we are working together in new and productive ways.

From the work to reach the Millennium Development Goals to promoting human rights and the rule of law, from combating climate change to providing emergency assistance and peacekeeping, ours is a vital and complementary partnership.

You bring to it resources, creativity, innovation and the inspiring example of a union of 500 million people that has proved to the world that peace, stability and human security can be achieved through cross-border cooperation.

Together, we have made a real difference in the lives of people around the world.  Let us strive to do even better, to draw lessons from our setbacks and to strengthen cooperation for tomorrow.

Let us strive to make our common ideals a reality for all humankind.

Happy anniversary and have a splendid evening.  Joyeux anniversaire, et une très bonne soirée à vous tous.

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For information media • not an official record