Development, Millennium Dev. Goals

Thank you for this great honour. I know that, through me, you are recognizing the efforts of tens of thousands of men and women who work across the world for peace, development and human rights.

The United Nations treasures its partnership with Columbia University. We are not just neighbours in New York; we are allies across the world.

I want to share two simple and short messages.

First, despite the dangers we face, remember that you are graduating into an era of wondrous opportunity.

We are appalled by war crimes in Syria and elsewhere.

Misaotra. [« Merci »]

Manao ahoana e! [“Good afternoon.”]

I am delighted to be in this beautiful country for the first time as United Nations Secretary-General.

I thank the Government and people for their very warm welcome.

[bilingual version]

Monsieur le Ministre du Plan, Lieutenant Général Herilanto Raveloharison
Monsieur le Ministre de la Justice, Monsieur Charles Andriamiseza,
Chers membres du Conseil de développement d’Andohatapenaka,
Chers collègues de l’ONU,
Mesdames et messieurs,

Je vous remercie de l’occasion qui m’est donnée de visiter cette remarquable structure.

L’ONU est fière de prendre part à cette grande entreprise.

Manao ahoana tompoko! [“Good morning.”]

Faly aho tonga eto Madagasikara. Misaotra indrindra amin'ny fandraisana mahafam-po. [I am delighted to be in Madgascar. Thank you for your warm welcome.]

I thank the Government and people of Madagascar for their warm welcome to this beautiful country.

I am deeply honoured to address this Joint Congress of the Senate and Assembly.

It is especially rewarding to stand in this Parliament. Your elections last year represented an important milestone that ended five years of political crisis.

Mr. Prime Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

Let me begin by thanking the Government and the people of the Republic of Mauritius for their warm welcome and solidarity.

I am very pleased to be visiting Mauritius for the first time as Secretary-General.

I am here to highlight the important leadership role that Mauritius plays among Small Island Developing States – as well as its contributions in many areas including climate action, promoting the ocean economy, and advancing sustainable development.

“Mo bien contente visite sa jolie paie Maurice » [I’m happy to be in beautiful Mauritius. – Creole]

I first want to thank you for the film you have just shown. I am touched to see these images and I hope that they show you the work that the United Nations as a whole is doing to achieve a better world for all.

This is my first visit to Mauritius as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

I can think of no better way to spend my first morning than with all of you here today.

Your Excellency David Donoghue, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, Ms. Kathy Spahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helen Keller International, Mr. Henry Barkhorn, Chairman of the HKI Board of Trustees, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to receive the “Spirit of Helen Keller” award.

I know that you are paying tribute not only to me but, far more, to the work of the United Nations. Thank you for this recognition.

Our achievements owe much to good partners like Helen Keller International.

It is a pleasure to join you tonight.

I am a big fan of action movies. James Bond. Mission Impossible. Ocean’s 11 -- or is it now Ocean’s 15?! When I am not dealing with global crises, I watch others deal with danger and try to pick up a few ideas!

I have seen a lot of kung fu movies over the years. But Crouching Tiger was a sensation. I look forward to getting a chance to see the sequel.

I congratulate Michelle Yeoh on her appearance.

I also thank her for her outstanding work in the United Nations campaign for road safety.

Your Excellency Mr. Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister of Estonia,
Your Excellency Mr. Sven Jurgenson, Vice-President of ECOSOC,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to take part in the 2016 Integration Segment of the Economic and Social Council.

This is the first such gathering since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last year. It also follows other landmark conferences and agreements on disaster risk reduction, financing for development, and climate change.

President Bach,

I am deeply honoured to receive this Olympic Cup Award on behalf of the United Nations.

I sincerely thank you for this powerful recognition of the talented, dedicated and selfless women and men of our Organization. They work around the world and they work around the clock for a better future of all the people. I accept this on their behalf with deep gratitude.

This is the second time that the United Nations has received this distinction. It is a sign that our partnership is growing even stronger.