Ban Ki moon, UN Secretary General :
(From previous issue)
The mission combines the expertise of the World Health Organization with the logistical capacities of the United Nations. UNMEER personnel arrived in Ghana two days ago to establish the Mission’s headquarters. The international community is rallying to assist local health workers.
Now we need a twenty-fold surge in care, tracking, transport and equipment. Food security is a growing concern, as food prices have gone up and food systems are in danger of breaking down.
We must also fight the virus of fear and misinformation. Bans on travel or transport will not keep Ebola from getting out, but will keep medical personnel and supplies from getting in. We need to isolate people affected by Ebola – but not the nations struggling to cope with it.
With leadership and solidarity, we can help the people of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone bring the outbreak to an end and regain the path to a better future.
The world recently marked the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
Like so many conflicts, that war started less from grand design than from small problems badly handled.
After the Second World War, the founding of the United Nations was a feat of global resolve. The post-war planners were driven not only by the idea of “never again”, but by a vision of what the world could be if we “unite our strength”.
Today, we face a profusion of mounting challenges. People are crying out for protection from greed and inequality. The United Nations must answer that call.
We are a century removed from the First World War, and have 70 years of experience with the United Nations. Yet the world is still not as peaceful as it could and as it should be.
Today we face far more man-made crises than natural calamities. We may not control Mother Nature, but who else but us is responsible for securing peace and justice in our world?
War. Poverty. Ignorance. Crises caused by people can be stopped by people.
I do not think we can yet feel comfortable about the world our generation is leaving to our children.
Still, I have hope. I draw it from our Charter, our enduring guide in times of dramatic challenge and change.
I am continually inspired by the staff, peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, human rights defenders and others who bring our document, this Charter, to life.
Just as we have renovated this great Hall for a new age, I look to you, Excellencies, Distinguished Heads of State and Government, to rebuild leadership and restore unity of purpose. We can tackle any challenge – and we will, as united nations.
(Text of the inaugural speech on Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General at the UNGA on Wednesday-24th September, 2014-at UN HQ, NY)
(Concluded)
