The Seoul Peace Prize Selection Committee officially announced today, 11 June 2012 (11:00, Tuesday 12 June, Seoul time) that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be the recipient of the 2012 Seoul Peace Prize.

     The Secretary-General was deeply honoured to learn of this decision. The Secretary-General regards this award as a recognition of the efforts of the United Nations and humbly accepts the 2012 Seoul Peace Prize on behalf of the United Nations.

     As stated in the announcement by the Seoul Peace Prize Selection Committee, the international community faces a greater array of daunting challenges and more pressing concerns than ever before.  Addressing these multiple crises requires renewed, strengthened multilateralism in which all international actors participate actively with a strong sense of ownership and in greater partnership.  At the epicentre of this multilateralism, the United Nations is carrying out its life-saving activities around the world.

     The Secretary-General renews his commitment to continuing to exert his utmost efforts to respond to the need for peace, human rights and development of the world’s people.