New York

03 December 2016

Secretary-General's remarks at Ambassadors' Ball hosted by the Hospitality Committee for UN Delegations [as prepared for delivery]

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

Mrs. Susan Barniker and Dr. Nassrin Zahedi, Co-Presidents of the Hospitality Committee, Ms. Luz MacArthur and Ms. Mel Gee Henderson, Co-chairs of the ball, Mr. Anthony Fouracre, Master of Ceremonies, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
It is a pleasure to join you.
 
Let me start by congratulating this year’s winner of the Hospitality Committee’s Humanitarian Award -- Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.  When I met him earlier this evening, I wanted to have a quiet word, so I said to him, "Walk this way."  He just turned to me and said "Dream on"!
 
Most people know him for his incomparable rock and roll voice.  But he also speaks out for action to end violence against women and girls.  His initiative, known as Janie’s Fund, is raising money to assist girls who have been victimized by abuse and neglect.  Let us all applaud his commitment to this vitally important UN cause. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
My wife and I would like to thank the Hospitality Committee for ten years of support.
 
We have enjoyed this annual Ball – but more than that, we are deeply moved by your friendship every single day.  We will be sad to leave you.
 
We are sad this year for another reason: the passing of a dear friend who was one of great fixtures in the diplomatic community.  I first met Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed 25 years ago in Washington, D.C.  We took an immediate liking to each other.  Across these many years, he was a good friend and also provided outstanding service to me and my predecessors.  My wife and I will always cherish memories of our many times together. 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
It is hard to believe there are just 28 days left in my term.
 
It seems like only yesterday that the United Nations was marking the 1,000-day countdown to the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals!  On that day, I was in Madrid and went to the Santiago Bernanéu stadium and kicked a ceremonial ball.  I kicked the ball hard and high – to drive home the point that I wanted people everywhere to aim high in working for the Millennium Development Goals!
 
And it seems like only yesterday that I made my first visit to the frontlines of climate change – to Antarctica, in November 2007!
 
It has been a decade of turmoil and test. 
 
You all know the rising numbers of refugees, displaced persons and people in humanitarian need owing to armed conflict, governance failures and other disasters.
 
You have all seen the divisiveness in the international community, and the hatred in political campaigns in many countries -- including long-standing democracies.
 
You know that we are seeing horrendous conflicts and abominable crimes.
 
Taken together, these challenges have been as numerous and as complicated as any faced by the United Nations in its history. 
 
At the same time, we have made important gains and opened up new horizons for progress. 
 
The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development shows that countries can overcome their divisions and take action for the common good.
 
The Paris Agreement on climate change has just entered into force last month, on November 4th – a true landmark in humankind’s efforts to address the defining threat of our time.
 
UN Women has become a champion of gender equality and empowerment.
 
Our challenge is to build on these and other gains, and sustain the political momentum that we have generated among world leaders, the business community and civil society. 
 
This is no doubt a turbulent moment in world affairs.  One can easily be overwhelmed by the daily headlines -- the latest terrorist attack, extreme storm or outbreak of disease.  The world must unite against these dangers to resolve conflicts and save lives today.  The United Nations strives to do just that, every day. 
 
But we must not lose sight of the opportunities that can set the world on a better course.
 
Even amidst these crises, the bigger picture is clear: slowly but surely, the human condition is improving.  I have seen, in my lifetime, countries -- including my own -- transform their futures.  I have witnessed, during my time as Secretary-General, the remarkable power of collective action.  We are seeing new mind-sets that recognize the need to cooperate across borders and to stand up for the human rights of all people, without distinction.
 
Across the past decade, we have made advances of which we can be proud.  Years from now -- I hope not too many -- when we begin seeing the fruits of the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement, you will be able to say, proudly, “I was there; I helped set that in motion”.
At the same time, we all know that there are conflicts and problems that will fall to my successor and all of you to resolve.  I hope you will give your full support to wish you every success under my distinguished and very capable successor, Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres.
 
It has been an honour and a privilege to work with you and to serve the world’s people.  I have spent time with all of you, and visited a great many countries.  What I have seen, more than Government buildings and global landmarks, is the remarkable power of people.  I am sure that power will prevail in the crucial period ahead.
 
My wife and I again thank the Hospitality Committee for helping to make the past decade so rewarding and unforgettable.  We look forward to crossing paths again. 
 
Thank you.