Es un gran honor para mí estar en la tierra del sol.

Muchas gracias, Presidenta del Congreso.

Gracias por sus amables palabras y gracias por la Medalla de Honor del Congreso de la República.

[It is a great honour to be in the "land of the sun." Thank you very much, the President of Congress. I appreciate your kind words and for the Medal of Honour of the Congress of the Republic.]

I humbly accept this recognition on behalf of the brave and dedicated women and men of the United Nations working across the world to advance human progress.

It is particularly meaningful to receive this honour from the elected representatives of the Peruvian people.

Parliamentarians play a crucial role in today’s world.

You are a bridge between the global and the local.

You ratify treaties and translate international obligations into national commitments.

You give voice to your country’s needs and aspirations.

I am especially encouraged to note that a woman holds the presidency of Peru’s Congress. This is a positive step, but we know there is a long distance to travel on the road to gender equality in politics.

Necesitamos mujeres líderes – aquí en el Perú y en todo el mundo. [We need women leaders, here in Peru and in all of the world.]

Honorable Members of Congress,

This is my third visit to Peru as Secretary-General.

I am attracted to your wonderful country by many things: your global engagement, your vibrant spirit, your deep culture and civilization, and – of course – your world famous cuisine.

This week, I met Gastón Acurio and Virgilio Martinez. Peru’s culinary riches are a reflection of your creativity, diversity, and heritage. I thank you for your global leadership in promoting the importance of the potato - which originated in this region - and quinoa.

Beyond food, Peru has a prominent place at the global table of arts and ideas.

Your contributions have been recognized through the literature of Peruvian Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, the music of Chabuca Granda and Juan Diego Flórez, and the diplomatic skills of one of Peru’s greatest sons, my distinguished predecessor, Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.

I had the honour of visiting Mr. Pérez de Cuéllar on Wednesday.

He told me he has just published his first work of fiction, entitled "Los Andagoya." He did this at the age of 94.

He has given me a new idea of what I might do in the future!

He remains an inspiration for us all.

Distinguished Members of Congress,

Peru and the United Nations enjoy strong ties.

Peru is a founding member of the Organization.

Today Peru’s voice is heard across our agenda.

Peruvian troops and experts are helping keep the peace from Haiti to several African countries.

Your impressive achievements have moved the world closer to meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

You have been able to translate economic growth into a reduction in poverty of more than 50 per cent.

You have almost reached universal access to primary education for girls and boys.

You have greatly reduced child mortality, malnutrition and risks to maternal health.

The vast majority of your population now has sustainable access to an improved water supply and sanitation.

Big challenges remain – to address inequality and insecurity, deepen democracy, improve the quality of education, and respect and protect the rights of all regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, religion or sexual orientation.

But you are helping to lead us to a more sustainable future.

In the Inca tradition, Cusco was known as the centre of the world.

This week, Lima became the centre of global efforts toward an ambitious new climate change agreement and setting the world on a safer, more sustainable path.

You are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, greener future for la pachamama [Mother Earth].

Honorable Members of Congress,

I cannot overstate the importance of the foundation that is being laid at the UN Climate Conference in Lima.

The year 2015 presents a once in a generation opportunity.

During this single year, we must do our utmost to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, adopt a post-2015 agenda with a new generation of sustainable development goals, and approve a meaningful, universal climate agreement.

It is my firm belief that we can end poverty – we can transform lives while protecting the planet.

Earlier this month, I released my report "A Road to Dignity by 2030" which outlines our opportunities and obligations for this crucial period ahead.

In order to live up to this agenda, the United Nations will need Peru’s leadership and example across the range of our work in peace, development and human rights.

Earlier today, I was honoured to join President Humala as Peru launched a National Plan on human rights education.

I commend Peru’s landmark law on Consultation with Indigenous Peoples, the first in Latin America. Through this law, Peru has recognized that dialogue is fundamental to social cohesion and sustainable development.

I hope that through the implementation of this legislation, indigenous people can effectively enjoy their full rights, including to their lands and territories.

Let us work to ensure that indigenous communities have the chance to fully develop. Let us also learn from the many ways they have lived in harmony with Mother Earth – protecting forests, safeguarding water supply, preserving biodiversity.

By strengthening its legal framework for the protection of indigenous peoples with regard to the exploitation of natural resources, Peru can show the world how respecting the environment and upholding rights is central to sound economic growth.

Honorable Members of Congress,

In our increasingly interconnected world, the challenges faced by any of us become challenges faced by all of us.

With Peru’s engagement, we can keep ambition high.

With Peru’s global citizenship, we can transform our world.

With Peru’s leadership, your country can remain an inspiration for us all.

Over the last week in this historic country, I have heard a wonderful and fitting phrase.

If something is extremely precious -- if something is worthy of great value – people in Peru and far beyond have an age-old way to say it:

“Vale un Perú”.

As we work for a 21st century sustainable development agenda that leaves no one behind, let us draw inspiration from those words.

Construyamos un mundo que valga un Perú. [Let us build a world worth a Peru.]

Muchas gracias.