Development, Millennium Dev. Goals

20 September 2016, General Assembly

Remarks at event to mark the First Anniversary of the Adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Today we celebrate the first anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It has been a busy year.  Implementation is well under way.  

The Sustainable Development Goals have been rallying global action.

More than 50 Governments are already putting the SDGs at the heart of their development planning.

G20 leaders have aligned their work programme with the 2030 Agenda.

And, around the world, Governments, agencies and civil society are building partnerships for a sustainable future. 

20 September 2016, General Assembly

Address to the General Assembly [Bilingual, as delivered version]

I stand before you with gratitude for your support across the decade I have had the privilege to serve this great organization, the United Nations.

In taking the oath of office in December 2006, I pledged to work with you for “we the peoples”.

With the Charter as our guide, and the dedication of the staff, we have achieved much together.

I also stand before you with deep concern.

19 September 2016, UN Headquarters

Remarks at UN Private Sector Forum 2016 - "Business and the 2030 Agenda: Security the Way Forward"

Your Excellencies, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft and Mr. Peter Thomson, Co-Chairs of the UN High-Level Meeting of the GA to address Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants, 
Excellencies,
Distinguished leaders of business and industry, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for this opportunity to discuss how we can work together for a more sustainable future.

One year ago, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for people, the planet, peace, prosperity and partnership.

18 September 2016, UN Headquarters

Remarks at the Handover of the Final Report of the Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Irina Bokova, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board and Director-General of UNESCO, Distinguished Members of the Scientific Advisory Board, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to be with you again.

Four years ago, the High Level Panel on Global Sustainability recommended that I consider establishing a scientific advisory board.

I gladly took their advice.

After wide consultation within the UN and with international science organizations, I asked Dr. Irina Bokova to bring the Board together in September 2014.

18 September 2016, UN Headquarters

Remarks at the Launch of the Report by the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity

It is a great pleasure to be here at the launch of this important report.

This is a major piece of research and analysis, and I thank everyone involved.

The Co-Convenors of the Commission: Ms. Emi Mahmoud, renowned Sudanese poet, Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi, President Joko Widodo of Indonesia [represented today by Education Minister Professor Muhajir Effendy], President Michelle Bachelet of Chile [represented here today by Ambassador Milenko Skoknic] and the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova.  

17 September 2016, Montréal

Remarks at the 5th Global Fund Replenishment Conference

Today we celebrate 15 years of achievement -- and we look forward to even more success in the critical years to come.

Since it was established, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has helped to save some 20 million people.

Its example of working for countries, communities and groups most in need provides a firm foundation for the new era of opportunity that began this year.

14 September 2016, UN Headquarters

Opening remarks at pre-General Assembly Press Conference

Ladies and Gentlemen of UNCA (United Nations Correspondents Association), good afternoon. 

It is a great pleasure to be with you today as we are getting ready to welcome world leaders for the opening of the 71st session of the General Assembly. I know that you are also very much excited for the General Assembly.

This year’s high-level week at the United Nations comes at a critical time.

13 September 2016, UN Headquarters

Remarks at Prayer Service on occasion of the opening of the 71st Session of the General Assembly

Your Excellency Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami,
Your Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the 71st Session of the General Assembly,
Your Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations,
The Most Reverend John O’Hara, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York,
The Reverend Gerald Murray, Pastor Church of Holy Family,

It is always a special pleasure to attend this annual event.

13 September 2016, General Assembly

Remarks at Opening Plenary Meeting of the Seventy-First Session of the General Assembly

It is a great pleasure to join you for the opening of the 71st session of the General Assembly.  

I congratulate most sincerely His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson of Fiji for assuming this very important office of the presidency.

Mr. President, Fiji is on the frontlines of many key issues on the international agenda, from climate change to disaster risk reduction to promoting growth and prosperity for all.  Your country’s perspectives will certainly enrich our deliberations in the months ahead.

13 September 2016, General Assembly

Remarks at closing plenary meeting of the seventieth session of the General Assembly New York

Today we bring down the gavel on a productive session of the General Assembly.

Mr. President, I would like to thank you for your skilled leadership.

Had this session adopted only the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that would have been notable enough.

But Member States achieved much more than that.