Secretary-General’s Address to the 6th Session of the Babcock International Model United Nations General Assembly

The President of the General Assembly, Excellencies,

It is a pleasure to be with you for the opening of the 6th session of the Babcock International Model United Nations (BIMUN) General Assembly.

?Let me begin by warmly congratulating Her Excellency Ambassador Dzifa Akua Kom of Ghana on her election as the President of the General Assembly.? Madam. President, you can fully count on our support and our committed partnership in this common work.

This year's session of #BIMUN will be a critical one in the life of our Organization.

That you are here with us today is evidence that the United Nations exists to serve the future generation and create the change we want to see in the world.?

It is encouraging to see such an energetic gathering of young people participate in proffering solutions to world problems. Together, you address the United Nations as it ought to be - delegates across the world collaborating to provide answers for issues through valuable discussion and exchange of ideas.

Excellencies,

The climate crisis is pummeling the planet. Human rights are being violated.?We must continue to encourage accelerating sustainable solutions to global challenges – ranging from climate change and public health management to respect for human rights.?

We must get serious and act fast.?

Shortly, delegates from member states will engage in debates that will stretch their intellectual curiosities and catalyze the drafting of workable resolutions. There will be specific standards that you may want to contradict. I believe you will do so decently and strongly. This courage, attitude and capacity to comprehend and investigate all positions, including those that you contend with is the essence of fruitful diplomacy and the importance of Model United Nations.

But although our success in these deliberations is important to us, I would like us to be open to the failures and corrections as well. This is in line with our theme which is focused on global resilience. This resilience starts with us, here in this General Assembly. Our ability to fight for what we believe in, our strength to work on strategies for environmental sustainability, the courage to change public policies that cause discrimination and oppression and our attitude to the management of health and wellbeing in the nations we represent. But more importantly, our capacity to adjust, adapt and reflect on our ways and our thoughts in order to build a better world for everyone.?

Excellencies,

For many people across the world, peace and stability remain a distant dream.?

In #Russia and #Ukraine , I renew my call for an immediate halt to violence, for unfettered humanitarian access to all those in need, for safe evacuation of civilians trapped in areas of fighting and for urgent protection of civilians and respect for human rights in accordance with international norms.?

Excellencies,?

I thank every one of you for your responsibility and enthusiasm and I welcome you to the most exciting week of your life. Let us build resilience. Let us see opportunities in the face of adversities. It’s time.

Thank you.