Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, Ban Ki-moon More Quotes by Ban Ki-moon More Quotes From Ban Ki-moon I have been urging the leaders to listen to the aspirations and challenges of their own people, and engage in dialogue and take very bold measures. Normally, to their regret, these measures and bold reforms come too late, too little. Ban Ki-moon regretleaderpeople I am willing to take any measures when it comes to the fundamental principle of human rights. Ban Ki-moon principlesrightsfundamentals It is only natural that people's wishes and aspirations should be realized by the leaders of the region. As this wind of change blows, it is up to the leaders to seize this opportunity to look for the better future for their own people through bold reforms before it is too late, before the people are forced to take action. Ban Ki-moon blowopportunitywind Millions of people in nearly 80 countries still live in fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war, which take an unacceptable toll on lives and limbs, and people's livelihoods Ban Ki-moon acceptancewarcountry Universal ratification of the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict will establish an international moral consensus that no child should take part in hostilities or be involuntarily recruited and that former child soldiers should be assisted by their governments after a life of violence and distress. Ban Ki-moon governmentsoldierchildren It has been said that knowledge is power. We need to strengthen education systems so that young people can benefit from cultural diversity, and not be victimized by those who exploit differences. Ban Ki-moon diversitydifferencespeople Three decades into this crisis, let us set our sights on achieving the "three zeros" zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. Ban Ki-moon hivzerosight Gender equality and women's empowerment have been a top priority for me from day one as Secretary-General. And I am committed to making sure that the U.N. leads by example. Ban Ki-moon prioritiesempowermentexample I strongly reject threats by any member state to destroy another or outrageous attempts to deny historical facts such as the Holocaust. Ban Ki-moon holocausthistoricalisrael Climate change is destroying our path to sustainability. Ours is a world of looming challenges and increasingly limited resources. Sustainable development offers the best chance to adjust our course. Ban Ki-moon limited-resourcesclimatechallenges Since [violence against women] is rooted in discrimination, impunity and complacency, we need to change attitudes and behavior - and we need to change laws and make sure they are enforced just like you are doing in Cuba. Ban Ki-moon cubalawattitude The international community must offer short-term emergency measures to meet critical needs. But it must also make longer-term investments to promote food production and agricultural development, enhance food security and maintain and accelerate momentum towards the MDGs. Ban Ki-moon mdgscommunityneeds To those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual,or transgender-let me say- you are not alone. You're struggle, for the end to violence and discrimination, is a shared struggle. Today, I stand with you. And I call upon all countries and people, to stand with you too.A historic shift is underway. We must tackle the violence, decriminalize consensual same sex relationships and end discrimination. We must educate the public. I call on this council and people of conscience to make this happen.The time has come. Ban Ki-moon strugglecountrysex To achieve a Green Revolution, African farmers, must have access to land and security of tenure. They also need access to markets, technology and improved infrastructure. Ban Ki-moon technologylandneeds World military spending has now risen to over $1.2 trillion. This incredible sum represents 2.5 per cent of GDP (global gross domestic product). Even if 1 per cent of it were redirected towards development, the world would be much closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Ban Ki-moon gdpmilitarygoal Since problems spill across borders, security anywhere depends on sustainable development everywhere. Ban Ki-moon border-securityenvironmentalborders Our atmosphere can't tell the difference between emissions from an Asian factory, the exhaust from a North American SUV, or deforestation in South America or Africa. Ban Ki-moon atmospheredifferencesamerica For my generation, coming of age at the height of the Cold War, fear of nuclear winter seemed the leading existential threat on the horizon. But the danger posed by war to all humanity-and to our planet-is at least matched by climate change. Ban Ki-moon humanitywinterwar Climate change, demographics, water, food, energy, global health, women's empowerment - these issues are all intertwined. We cannot look at one strand in isolation. Instead, we must examine how these strands are woven together. Ban Ki-moon empowermentissueswater I defy anyone to look into the eyes of these courageous and resilient individuals and say you know better what nuclear weapons bring. Ban Ki-moon world
