France

I send best wishes to the World Federation of the Deaf.  
 
The theme of your gathering -- “Sign Language Rights for All” -- highlights an essential element in building societies that leave no one behind.
 
Indeed, the promotion of sign language supports linguistic identity and equal opportunities, and can uphold human rights and advance inclusive education.
 
This is why the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Sign Languages, observed annually on 23 September.
 

[Watch the video on webtv.un.org]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Upholding the right to freedom of expression is one of the bedrocks of society and is crucial for advancing democracy, development and peace.
 
I therefore commend your initiative to establish a Commission on Information and Democracy. It comes at a crucial time, when new means of communicating and disseminating information are transforming our world.
 
Access to relevant and reliable information is therefore even more fundamental than ever. Yet more and more, it is under threat.
 

Thank you for coming together for this meeting of the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees.
 
I am confident your efforts will help yield Global Compacts for Migration and Refugees that make the most of an historic opportunity.
 
The Global Compact for Migration is the beginning of what is expected to be a long journey towards equitable and humane ways of managing human mobility, anchored in respect for the rule of law.  
 

C’est un plaisir pour moi de saluer la quatrième Conférence nationale humanitaire.
 
La France a de tout temps été et reste un partenaire précieux pour le développement et l’action humanitaire.
 
Les besoins humanitaires ont atteint des niveaux sans précédent. Les conflits et les catastrophes naturelles causent d'énormes souffrances.
 
En 2018, le nombre de personnes qui nécessitent protection et aide humanitaire s’élève à plus de 135 millions. La communauté internationale a besoin de 22,5 milliards de dollars pour leur venir en aide.
 

Dear friends at the Department of Ardennes,
I am pleased to send my greetings as you inaugurate the Musée Guerre et Paix.
The United Nations was born with a determination to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.  
Peace is our central mission.
It is at the heart of all we do.  
Remembering our past will help shape our future.
Thank you for sharing the lessons of history for new generations.  This is instrumental to world peace.
*****
Chers amis du Département des Ardennes,