By Tiamiyu Arobani
New York – Outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is achievable but only when the international community works together as united nations.
Ban made the remarks at a concert to bid him farewell and to welcome the secretary-general-desigate António Guterres, organised by the New York Philharmonic on Thursday in New York.
“We live in a time of great insecurity and uncertainty. But, it is also a time of unprecedented opportunity.
“The Sustainable Development Goals offer a blueprint for peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all the people and a healthy planet for us all to live on.
“But, we can only achieve these goals if we work together as United Nations. I wish Secretary-General Guterres every success in his future challenges.
“I have seen that, when the United Nations is united, we have become the strongest.
“That’s why I am asking Member States to unite, to show their global solidarity and compassionate leadership for all the people around the world.”
The outgoing UN scribe stressed that it had been an extraordinary honour to serve the UN as the eighth secretary-seneral.
“I have been exposed to indescribable suffering, which has left me shocked and sometimes despairing and heartbroken.
“But, I have also seen the best of humanity — courage, resilience and compassion, and creativity and global solidarity.
“These things give me hope for the future. I have also been inspired by the many thousands of dedicated and committed UN staff who I have been privileged to work with.
“I want to thank you all for your hard work and sacrifice. I thank you for supporting me and our indispensable organisation,” he said.
Ban said as he bows out of office as the UN scribe, the global body would remain indelible in his heart.
“While I am leaving this great organisation, for whom and for which I have been working for 10 years, my heart will never leave the United Nations.
“I will always be living with the United Nations, the ideals and goals of the United Nations, peace and security, sustainable development and human dignity for all.”
The outgoing scribe expressed confidence in the ability of his successor, Secretary-General-designate António Guterres to take the UN to greater heights.
“I would like to also take this opportunity once again to warmly welcome and strongly encourage my successor, Secretary-General-designate António Guterres.
“Guterres is an excellent choice to lead the United Nations in the coming years.
“He is experienced and able and understands the need to focus on the needs and aspirations of all the people around the world, especially the most vulnerable group of people.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ban, a South Korean diplomat, bows out as the UN chief on Dec. 31, 2016, after serving in that capacity for 10 years, since Jan. 1, 2007.
NAN also reports that his successor António Guterres, a former Prime Minister of Portugal, who took the oath of office on Monday as the next secretary-general, will assume office on Jan. 1, 2017 for the next five years.
