Thank you, Mr. Neal Shapiro.

Ambassador Kim Young Mok, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in New York,

Dr. Lee Bae-yong, Chairwoman of the Presidential Council on Nation Branding,

Dr. Oh Jung-kyu, Vice Minister, Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,

Excellencies,

Distinguished leaders from the arts and industry,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is wonderful to be here to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Korea.

The royal cuisine and costumes showcased here are the roots of Korea's vibrant contemporary arts.

The royal Hansik cuisine has much to teach the world of today. More and more people are coming to appreciate natural and wholesome foods. These traditional Korean meals show how dining can be elegant and healthy.

The traditional hanbok dress reminds us of the dignity and independence of women. There is a natural connection between this appreciation for women and the work of the United Nations to help women and children worldwide.

So I deeply thank the organizers for dedicating this wonderful evening to the Every Woman, Every Child initiative.

I am very moved by your efforts.

We have a special guest this evening, Mr. Ray Chambers, my Special Envoy for Malaria. He is one of the many dedicated individuals helping to make a difference. We have an extraordinary coalition of partners working with the United Nations to stop the needless deaths of women and children.

My awareness of this cause did not start when I read a policy brief or saw a documentary. I first learned about the struggle that women face when I was just a young boy in Korea. I saw fear in the eyes of women going into labour ? fear that they – or their babies – might not survive. My own mother lost two children before I was born.

Those times are long gone. Korea is now living proof that no matter how poor or devastated a country may be, it can usher in a future where women and children no longer die from preventable causes.

This is an inspiring example for our world.

So I am counting on Korea to do its part to help others who are struggling. The government can increase official development assistance. Businesses can help raise more funds. Actors, actresses, models and all of you from the world of culture and the arts can raise awareness.

Today we are also commemorating the founding of Korea so I hope you do not mind if I talk about a famous Korean fable.

They say a heavenly prince came to rule Korea, but he needed a wife. So he took a bear and a tiger and sent them to live in a cave. He wanted to see which would last longer ? which was stronger and more brave. The tiger quickly ran out, but the bear never gave up and soon it was transformed into a beautiful woman. That beautiful woman, who had the strength of a bear, later gave birth to Dag-Gun, the first king of Korea. She was the powerful mother of our nation.

I share this story as evidence of how much our country reveres women. In all my meetings and travels, I make it a point to tell leaders that women are our most under-utilized resource. I have appointed more women to peacekeeping positions than all my predecessors combined. I am appointing more women to senior positions at the UN, and I am insisting that the UN do more for the women and children of our world.

This is a critical time. We face unprecedented challenges and threats, from disease and poverty to terrorism and conflict. We are racing to feed hungry people in the Horn of Africa. We are supporting the success of democratic transitions in North Africa. And we are addressing the global economic turmoil that is taking a toll on families and communities.

In this world of great change, Korea enjoys stability and prosperity. That is why I depend on my countrymen to help others experience the same progress and to help the world overcome its shared challenges.

I am a proud Korean. I love my mother country like no other. But I am also a citizen of the world. I hope all of you join me in being a global citizen ? reaching out across borders ? and making a better future for all.

Thank you.