It is a pleasure to greet Auburn University, the Global Partnership Forum and all those who have come together for the International Quality of Life Awards.  I thank Auburn University for its longstanding work with the World Food Programme and others in our efforts to eliminate hunger – a key goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  I congratulate Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, who is this year’s IQLA Laureate as well as a good friend of the United Nations.  Let me also express my appreciation for the IQLA Global Leadership Award, which I accept on behalf of the talented and dedicated staff of the United Nations.
 
It has been a privilege to serve as Secretary-General.  My decade in office has been a time of turmoil and challenge.  We have seen protracted conflicts, growing inequality, rising extremism and xenophobia, and the largest numbers of refugees and displaced persons since the Second World War.
 
At the same time, we have opened up new horizons for progress.  The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development shows that countries can overcome their divisions to act for the common good. The Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force last month – a true landmark in humankind’s efforts to address the defining threat of our time.
 
Our challenge is to build on these and other gains, and deepen the partnerships we have built among world leaders, the business community and civil society.  One can easily be overwhelmed by the latest terrorist attack, extreme storm or outbreak of disease.  But even amidst these crises, I continue to see -- and believe in -- the transformative power of collective action.  Let us continue to work together in that spirit.  Thank you again for this recognition, for your commitment to achieving Zero Hunger, and for your continued support of the United Nations.