The 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Renewed His Commitment to Social Justice

After receiving the 2024 Honorary Award, the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his heartfelt thanks to Ms. Anne Curry for her gracious introduction. He noted that the award had further strengthened his dedication to the principles he championed during his time at the United Nations. Ban Ki-moon also conveyed his deep appreciation to His Holiness Pope Francis for his leadership and spiritual guidance, highlighting their close collaboration during his tenure.

He extended his gratitude to former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with whom he formed a highly effective partnership, traveling together to regions such as the Middle East and Africa that needed UN support. Additionally, he acknowledged Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviychuk for her courageous work in promoting and protecting human rights under dangerous conditions and thanked Minister Annalena Baerbock for her kind words of introduction. He also expressed appreciation to Mr. Jaka Bizilj, Chairman of Cinema for Peace, for his initiative and steadfast commitment.

In his address, Ban Ki-moon reflected on his early experiences as an international student in the 1960s, observing the lack of communication among political leaders, which had led to a stark divide between East and West. He encouraged the younger generation to engage politically and work toward creating a better world. He also took the occasion to renew his call for an end to violence and the release of hostages in Gaza, while also strongly condemning Russia's illegal aggression in Ukraine, insisting on an immediate cease-fire in all conflict zones.