On behalf of the entire United Nations family, I extend our sincere congratulations to the European Union on its receipt of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.  Today, an indispensable partner to the United Nations has been given a richly-deserved recognition of its accomplishments and its importance in Europe and around the world.

The European Union has more than lived up to its founding dream of forging a united and peaceful continent out of the devastation of two world wars. It has become an engine of integration, weaving together nations and cultures. Its achievement of peace within its borders, building on innovative mechanisms for dialogue and the rule of law, is a model to be emulated the world over.  Its unifying potential is all the more important in today’s economic climate.

Today, the European Union plays a central role in helping to build peace, save lives, promote human rights and support economic and social development across the world.  At the United Nations, we count every day on the EU’s involvement, its leadership and its contributions as we work to meet the most pressing challenges of our time.  These range from lifting billions out of poverty, extending life-saving development and humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, to preventing conflict and building peace across the globe. I celebrate and look forward to deepening this enduring partnership.