U.N. chief calls for 'renewed multilateralism'

By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Yonhap) -- Claiming complacency and cynicism often prevented the
United Nations from "acting as early as it should," U.N. Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon on Monday emphasized the role of communities and member nations in
solving global issues.

"We are living through an age of multiple crisis. None of these problems can be
solved by any single nation acting alone. Like never before, we must therefore
act together," Ban told the 39th plenary assembly of the World Federation of U.N.
Associations (WFUNA) in Seoul Monday.
"We aim to create a more modern, more trustful UN -- a UN that is faster, more
flexible and more effective in delivering on the growing demands placed upon it."
The three-day meeting, running from Monday in Seoul, was attended by more than
250 representatives of some 60 U.N. associations, including Hans Blix, president
of the World Federation of U.N. Associations, and South Korean Prime Minister Han
Seung-Soo.
Emphasizing the need for a "renewed, compassionate multilateralism," Ban
mentioned the four cornerstones of climate change, peace and security,
development, and human rights.
Calling climate change the "greatest collective challenge we face as a human
family," Ban called for a "bottom-up" push by smaller associations in supporting
state leaders' efforts to come up with an encouraging agreement on greenhouse gas
emissions at the Sept. 22 U.N. climate change summit.
"I have always believed that change does not begin in world capitals but comes
from people and communities," he said. "We need a major 'top-down' push from
world leaders to seal the deal we need in climate change (at the U.N. summit),
but we also need a strong 'bottom-up' push from you."
While avoiding direct comments on North Korea's recent backtracking on
denuclearization and its escalating threats against regional powers, Ban
emphasized the need for continued efforts to create a "world free of nuclear
arms."
On the issue of human rights, Ban stressed the moral and pragmatic duty of the
international community in coming to the aid of those whose governments cannot
protect their basic rights.
"How many times have we heard the phrase, 'never again'? And yet, Rwanda,
Srebrenica, Darfur ... Let us speak frankly. Complacency and cynicism have
prevented the United Nations from acting as early or as effectively as it
should," he said. "A renewed multilateralism requires us to deliver on our
commitments."
"We work for a U.N. that stands tall for the values that inspired you to become
an advocate and activist for a better world and for that, I count on your
continued support," Ban added. "Keep pushing governments to provide the resources
that we need to do our job. Keep raising awareness. Now is our time."
The event marks the first time that South Korea has played host to the triennial
assembly of the WFUNA, which claims 109 U.N. associations as members.
Participating members were to discuss security, development and human rights
issues during the Seoul assembly.
Ban, who was elected as head of the world organization in 2006, arrived here
Sunday on an unofficial vacation trip, which will include giving a keynote speech
at an international peace forum in Jeju later this week.
Ban is also scheduled to meet President Lee Myung-bak on Aug. 18 for talks on
international and regional issues, such as climate change and North Korea's
nuclear stalemate during his 10-day trip, according to officials. Ban, 64,
previously served as Seoul's foreign minister.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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