Senate fetes ex-UN chief Ban Ki Moon

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SENATORS yesterday afternoon unanimously adopted a resolution honoring former United Nations (UN) secretary general Ban Ki-Moon for his “outstanding global contributions” as the eighth leader of the United Nations General Assembly.

Senate Resolution No. 929, introduced by Senate president pro tempore Loren Legarda, expressed the “profound sense of the Senate” in honoring Ban and commending him for his global contributions.

Ban was present during yesterday’s session and personally received a copy of SRN 929.
“The visionary leadership of the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations advocated and mobilized world leaders and parliaments for the adoption of various landmark projects, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UNSDGs), highlighting the importance of collective action to address poverty, hunger, inequality, climate crisis, and other pressing issues facing humanity,” the resolution stated.

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Legarda said the former UN leader also actively engaged in decisive efforts to address climate change wherein one of his first major initiatives was the approval of the 2007 Climate Change Summit, which highlighted his leadership, in the lead-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement, a landmark accord that brought nations together for collective action to combat climate change and limit global temperature rise.

As a staunch advocate for gender equality, Ban pioneered the creation of UN Women, resulting in the increase of the number of women employed within the UN, and he likewise actively supported the “HeForShe” campaign initiative as the first to declare “I am HeForShe” during the launch of the global campaign.

The resolution said that as a global leader, Ban played a crucial role in strengthening UN peace efforts by overseeing various peacekeeping missions, contributing to conflict resolution, and fostering peace and stability in regions afflicted with unrest.

Ban thanked the senators for approving the resolution.

“I am deeply grateful for this esteemed honor and very humbled by this unique opportunity afforded to me to deliver a few words. Indeed, it is incredibly meaningful for me to here in Manila and be recognized in PS No. 929 which honors and commends the global contribution made during my tenure as the secretary-general of the United Nations during my tenure 10 years — 2007 until 2016,” Ban said.

“I believe all of you are recognizing the guiding ideals and achievement of the United Nations, the United Nations and is a pursuit of peace and security, human rights, and development, exemplify the values and principles. That I feel we should all espouse to replicate. And for me, this is not abstract,” he added.

Ban said everyone should “come together in cooperation, partnership, and solidarity” to “redouble” efforts in achieving the sustainable development goals and implement the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

“We simply must prioritize global action at all levels. We need to ensure that UN’s Global Goals our local business in Manila, in the Philippines and beyond,” he said.

He said he is looking forward to deeper bilateral relations between South Korea and the Philippines as the two countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations on March 3.

“I sincerely hope that our bilateral relations will continue to be deepened and expanded for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for this a special honor today and wish you all the best in your current and future endeavor. Thank you. Maraming salamat,” he said.

Ban and his wife arrived in the country on Monday. He was welcomed by Malacañang Protocol and South Korean Ambassador to Philippines Lee Sang-hwa.

He was later received by President Marcos Jr. who expressed his support for the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), which Bam currently heads.

Ban is in the Philippines for the Asian Development Bank’s Eminent Speakers’ Forum.

At present, Ban chairs the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, Boao Forum for Asia, Global Center on Adaptation, and Global Green Growth Institute, among others.

Ban was elected in the UN General Assembly for two terms from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016 where he “demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.

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