Secretary-General's video message to the XVII Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement

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 inter-cultural 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.