THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

2024 MESSAGE TO MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Thank you for taking part in this Model United Nations conference and for believing in the power of global cooperation to solve global problems.

Our world needs your engagement and ideas more than ever.

We are living through extremely difficult times.

Conflicts are raging, tensions are rising, and our planet is burning.

Humanitarian needs are at record highs and human rights are under relentless assault.

Hate speech, misinformation and disinformation spread like wildfire on social media.

More than ever, we need global solidarity.

We need the United Nations.

And the United Nations needs you – your energy, creativity, courage, and commitment.

Together, I know we have what it takes to solve our shared challenges.

To heal divisions, repair relations, and build peace.

To extend a helping hand to all those engulfed by war, climate catastrophe and hunger.

To ensure justice and equality for the world’s women and girls and all marginalized communities, particularly the world’s most vulnerable.

And to expand opportunities for all, leaving no one behind.

We at the United Nations will never give up in our quest for a more peaceful and just world.

And I know you won’t either.

That’s why I am fully committed to giving young people a much stronger voice in international affairs.

The United Nations is proud to be your ally. And we count on you to be a force for positive change, now and in the future. I wish you every success.

Thank you.