Secretary-General's message to 38th Annual Lions Day at the United Nations

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the United Nations.  Thank you for travelling from at least 36 different countries to join us.

2015 was a landmark year for the United Nations.  We observed the Organization’s 70th anniversary and adopted milestone agreements with the potential to transform our world for the better – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In 2016, we must get off to a strong start in translating these achievements into action while also addressing multiple conflicts, the plight of refugees and migrants, rising inequality and other serious challenges.

This work will require all of us to join forces – not just Member States but also our many partners, including passionate global citizens like you.  I am heartened that we will be able to count on the continued engagement of the Lions Club, which has been a friend of this Organization since its inception.

I welcome the theme of your gathering today.  Peace is one of the UN’s three pillars, along with sustainable development and human rights. Gender equality is a cause I have championed throughout my tenure, including through the establishment of UN Women and campaigns aimed at improving maternal health and protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination.  Both peace and women’s empowerment are integral to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The launch of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change give us a clear roadmap for the next 15 years and beyond.  Your commitment, creativity and entrepreneurship will give us strength as we build a future of dignity for all on a healthy planet.

Thank you.