UN role and reform

09 November 2018, Security Council

Remarks at Security Council Open Debate on "Strengthening Multilateralism and the Role of the United Nations"

I thank China for using its presidency of the Security Council to highlight the importance of strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations.
 
This discussion takes place just days before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
 
That conflict was a colossal tragedy and a frightening harbinger of bloody decades to follow.
 
Europe was multipolar at that time – but that was not enough to keep violence at bay.
 

24 October 2018, General Assembly

Remarks at United Nations Day Concert

Happy United Nations Day to you all!
 
Today, we celebrate the birthday of our founding Charter – the landmark document that embodies the hopes, dreams and aspirations of “we the peoples”.
 
I thank the Permanent Mission of India for sponsoring this concert featuring the sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan, and his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
 
A special welcome as well to the Refugee Orchestra Project and its conductor.
 

16 October 2018, UN Headquarters

Remarks at Launch of UN System Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy: “A Healthy Workforce for a Better World”

We are here to launch a very important undertaking to ensure the well-being of our staff -- our Organization’s greatest asset.
 
You are all aware that our work is becoming more challenging and more stressful.
 
Many staff in the field are facing increasingly dangerous operating environments.
 
Even at seemingly placid headquarters locations, work atmospheres can be hostile and problematic, including as a result of sexual harassment or abuses of power.
 
Given these realities, mental health takes on paramount importance.
 

25 September 2018, UN Headquarters

Toast at luncheon hosted by him for Heads of State and Government attending the seventy-third session of the General Assembly of the United Nations

President Trump,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me, first of all, to express my deep gratitude to our hosts.

25 September 2018, General Assembly

Address to the General Assembly

Secretary-General António Guterres presents his annual report on the work of the Organization ahead of the opening of the General Assembly’s seventy-third general debate. UN Photo/Loey Felipe

[As delivered, trilingual; scroll further down for all-English]

13 September 2018, Accra

Remarks at Funeral of Kofi Annan

To Nane Annan and the Annan Family,   

To Kofi Annan’s larger family, starting with you, President Akufo-Addo and the people of his beloved Ghana, and extending to every corner of the globe,  

To the many members of the United Nations community who grieve the passing of one of our own.

Since the shock of Kofi’s death, I have been reflecting on what made him so special. 

To my mind, it is simply this:    

Kofi Annan was both one-of-a-kind and one of us.  

17 September 2018, General Assembly

Remarks at closing of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly

I congratulate my very dear friend Miroslav Lajčák, and all of you, on the successful completion of a very productive session of the General Assembly.
 
Last September’s general debate was the first in more than a decade at which all Member States spoke -- a sign of welcome engagement by political leaders at the highest level, and of faith in the value of this unique and universal body.
 

18 September 2018, UN Headquarters

Remarks at wreath laying ceremony commemorating 57th anniversary of the death of Dag Hammarskjöld

We gather to honour the life and legacy of Dag Hammarskjöld on this 57th anniversary of his death.
 
Despite the passage of decades, his light of idealism, integrity and action continues to illuminate our hearts and, indeed, the very soul of the United Nations. 
 
Earlier this year, I had the immense and inspiring honour of taking part in a Security Council retreat at the home of Dag Hammarskjöld in the south of Sweden.

18 September 2018, UN Headquarters

Remarks at 33rd Annual International Prayer Breakfast

It is a pleasure to join you again for this annual event as we begin a new session of the General Assembly.

We have a full week ahead, as Heads of State and Government arrive, and then a very busy session in the months to follow.  

The world faces urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to armed conflict and intolerance, especially targeting migrants and refugees. We have to raise ambition across the board.