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Secretary-General Statements

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 May 2021 | UN Headquarters
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General - on the Democratic Republic of the Congo   The Secretary-General strongly condemns Monday’s attack against a temporary position of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Beni territory, North Kivu, by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The attack resulted in the killing of one peacekeeper from Malawi.  

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the death of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Erskine - first UNIFIL Force Commander from 1978 to 1981

9 May 2021 | UN Headquarters
The Secretary-General is saddened at the passing of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Erskine, of Ghana, at the age of 86. Lt. Gen. Erskine served as UNIFIL’s first Force Commander from 1978 to 1981, a particularly difficult time for south Lebanon.   He led the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the initial implementation of Security Council Resolution 425 (1978).

Secretary-General's remarks at the Annual Memorial Service to honour United Nations Personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2020 [as delivered]

6 May 2021 | UN Headquarters
Dear Colleagues and family members, We gather to remember and honour United Nations personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty over the course of last year.  While we unfortunately cannot yet gather in person, this solemn ceremony powerfully reflects how those bonds transcend physical distance.  We may not be in the same room, but we are together -- with unity in purpose and solidarity in sorrow.  The year 2020 was like no other in the history of the United Nations. 

Secretary-General's video message marking the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

24 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters
The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are. There is a clear and urgent need for concrete multilateral solutions, based on common action across borders for the good of all humanity, starting with the equitable distribution of vaccines as a global public good. This need goes far beyond the pandemic. It applies to all the transnational threats we face: the climate crisis; air and water pollution; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the development of new technologies in the absence of agreed principles and norms.

Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Subregional Organizations in enhancing confidence building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution [as delivered]

19 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters
I would like to thank the Vietnamese Presidency for organizing this open debate and for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on what has been a key priority since taking office: cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. This cooperation has grown exponentially since 1945.

Secretary-General's remarks at Security Council Open Debate on Mine Action [as delivered]

8 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters
Mr. President, Excellencies,   Let me first congratulate His Excellency Foreign Minister Bui Son on his appointment and welcome him to the United Nations. I thank Viet Nam for putting this important issue on the agenda and reminding us of the work left to do. Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices maim and kill indiscriminately. They are left in the path of women walking to work, a family displaced by conflict and seeking safety, children on their way to school. They crush lives and end livelihoods.

Secretary-General's message on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

4 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters
Today, on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, we reflect on how far we have come in raising awareness of the dangers posed by landmines, and recommit to our target of a mine-free world.      More than 160 states are party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. I call on those that have not yet acceded to the Convention to do so without delay.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the attack against the UN camp in Aguelhok, Kidal region, in Mali

2 Apr 2021 | UN Headquarters
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the complex attack undertaken today by armed elements, against the camp of the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Aguelhok, Kidal region. As a result of the attack four peacekeepers from the Chadian Contingent were killed and 19 others were injured. He commends the courage and bravery of the peacekeepers who robustly repelled the attack.

Secretary-General's video message for the 3rd Anniversary of Action for Peacekeeping

29 Mar 2021 | UN Headquarters
It is a pleasure to greet the peacekeeping partners who have gathered for this event.  I thank the Government of the Netherlands for bringing us together. Three years ago, I launched the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, asking you to join me in making our operations more efficient and impactful. Together, we produced the Declaration of Shared Commitments. 154 Member States and four organizations have endorsed this roadmap and we have made progress on all fronts. I thank our peacekeepers for their outstanding service.

Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

25 Mar 2021 | UN Headquarters
On the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, we recognize the extreme dangers encountered by so many colleagues as they carry out the vital work of the United Nations. The threats vary -- from deliberate and deadly ambushes to kidnappings, intimidation and unlawful detention.  But the thread is the same: these are unacceptable obstacles to fulfilling our mandates and advancing peace, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian assistance around the globe.  National staff are often at particular risk.