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Ban Ki-moon speaks at Chatham House

11 July 2007

In his first public speech in the UK as UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon outlined his vision for the UN and where he feels the organization's priorities lie. Mr Ban concentrated on the fight against climate change and the role multilateral bodies such as the UN can play in alleviating the problem. On peace and security he outlined the UN's activity in the Middle East and its role in ongoing disputes in Africa.

On Darfur, whilst praising the work of the African Union, the Secretary General acknowledged that it does not have the capacity to protect civilians and build security on its own. He went on to say that he was encouraged that the Sudanese government had accepted a joint operation with the UN. He also underlined the need for the UN to lead the effort to resolve the original causes of the conflict and that he hopes a new round of negotiations between all the actors will begin soon. Mr Ban also discussed the ongoing role of the UN in Lebanon and its possible approaches to the deepening crisis in Palestine.

In relation to development, Mr Ban reiterated his call for signatory states to meet the 2015 target date of the Millennium Development Goals, and that they should remain the roadmap for a better world. Finally he addressed the need for the UN to reform internally if it is to remain an effective organization. He said that since his appointment he has enacted a range of measures to strengthen capacity and instill a new working culture at the UN.

The Secretary General answered questions on a range of topics including the role of the UN in Africa and the deployment of peacekeeping troops in the region, the situation in Zimbabwe specifically and the role of the UN in the Middle East.

Text as prepared by the speaker prior to delivery.

Sam Hardy
Chatham House Press Office
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