In Video Message to Summit, Secretary-General Thanks Non-Aligned Movement for Continued Commitment to Global Peace, Sustainable Development

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the seventeeth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, in Margarita Island, Venezuela, today:

Your Excellency President Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela, Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement,

Your Excellency President Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outgoing Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement,

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement,

Honourable Ministers,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour to address this gathering of global leaders.  I regret that I am unable to be with you, due to preparations for the United Nations General Assembly.

I congratulate the Government of Venezuela for hosting this Summit of Heads of State and Government.  I also recognize the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has coordinated the work of the Non-Aligned Movement over the past four years.

During this time, members of the Non-Aligned Movement played a key role in formulating and reaching agreement on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.  I thank all members of the Non-Aligned Movement for your continued commitment to global peace and sustainable development, reflected in the theme for this meeting:  “sovereignty and solidarity for development”.

The United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement are united by a common purpose:  an understanding that multilateralism is the most effective means to address global challenges.  Throughout your history, the Non-Aligned Movement has placed a special emphasis on the centrality of independence, equality, the peaceful settlement of disputes and international cooperation.

I thank the Non-Aligned Movement for raising awareness and mobilizing the international community on issues ranging from the promotion of sustainable development and the fight against extreme poverty, to nuclear disarmament and intercultural dialogue.

As we move into the implementation phase of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Agreement on climate change, I wish you every success in working together and coordinating your efforts.  The United Nations stands ready to support you as we strive for peace, prosperity and human rights for all.

I send you my best wishes for a successful summit, and I look forward to meeting many of you in New York in the coming days.  Thank you.