Secretary-General's message to WFUNA 41st Plenary Assembly

It is a pleasure to greet the World Federation of United Nations Associations and the United Nations Association of Canada.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.  Governments and people around the world have joined us as we reflect on achievements, challenges and shared commitments. 

I thank UN Associations for being a fundamental part of that effort.  Thank you for contributing to our successful UN Blue campaign, when hundreds of landmarks across the globe were lit blue for UN Day.

The UN Blue effort did more than light buildings.  It illuminated widespread support for the United Nations and put a spotlight on the United Nations as a forum for global problem-solving.

I thank you for your theme this year, Global Transformations: The Sustainable Development Goals.  I am encouraged that you are already working hard to make the SDGs a reality. We start at the Paris Climate Change Conference that opens later this month, where we can achieve a meaning and universal agreement that can turn threat to opportunity and pave the way to a future of low-carbon prosperity. The world faces multiple crises and humanitarian emergencies, as well as the expanding threat of terrorism and violent extremism, as we have seen in recent days with barbaric attacks in Paris, Baghdad and Beirut.  Yet we also have in our hands the power and potential to transform our world through the newly adopted 2030 Agenda.

In all our work, I count on your energy, ideas and enthusiasm.  Together, let us keep working for a strong UN and a better world for all.  Please accept my best wishes for a successful assembly.