YouSaid · the spoken record

Moon Jae-in

lines on the record: 93
first: 2017-09-24
most recent: 2021-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The examples of how the European Coal and Steel Community and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had a positive impact on peace and prosperity within Europe provide an excellent model for us to emulate. Achieving peace on the Korean peninsula remains an ongoing challenge, and achieving peace on the peninsula and peace in the whole world represent two inseparable goals. We will continue dialogue with North Korea and will find and forge a path leading towards complete denuclearization and permanent peace, while maintaining cooperation with United Nations States Members. Peace can be created only through dialogue and can be considered as genuine only when underpinned by agreements and the law, while only peace that has been accomplished based on trust will last.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Inter-Korean talks subsequently led to dialogue between the United States and North Korea. The decisions made by President Trump and Chairman Kim provided the momentum behind the dramatic change in the situation on the Korean peninsula. Compared to the past, when only a few rounds of gunfire were sufficient to instigate major political unrest, the current situation on the Korean peninsula has undergone a distinct change The negotiating table for achieving peace on the peninsula remains accessible. The two Koreas and the United States are setting their sights not only on denuclearization and peace but also on the economic cooperation to follow. The Republic of Korea intends to create a peace economy in which peace can lead to economic cooperation, which in turn will reinforce peace for all who work in a virtuous cycle.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In assuming a sense of responsibility commensurate with the progress that it has made, Korea is now working together with the international community to bring about peace and prosperity in East Asia and the whole world. The Olympic Truce resolution adopted by the General Assembly in November 2017 was of great help to us once again. In accordance with the resolution, the joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States that had been planned for the spring of 2018 were suspended, thereby creating an environment that enabled the North Korean Olympic delegation to come to Pyeong Chang. Despite initial concerns about security, the Pyeong Chang Olympic Winter Games were transformed into peace Olympics that served as an invaluable opportunity to resume dialogue between the two Koreas.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The commitment of the United Nations to the peace of all people and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will certainly bear fruit. The world’s countries are joining forces to help one another in disaster and emergency relief operations, as well as in peacekeeping efforts. The United Nations must continue to play a central role in fostering cooperation within the international community. The Republic of Korea is a country that has benefited immensely from the United Nations. It was liberated from colonial rule in the year in which the United Nations was founded. It was able to overcome the scourge of war with the assistance of the United Nations and the international community.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Thanks to the dedication of the United Nations and its Member States, many of the world’s problems have been resolved, and their efforts towards achieving peace are coming to fruition. I would like to convey my deepest respect and appreciation. Let me offer my congratulations to Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande on assuming the presidency of the General Assembly. I am confident that, under his outstanding leadership, the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly will become a catalyst for promoting multilateral cooperation. The United Nations and the Korean peninsula share the same goal of sustaining peace. I would like to pay tribute to the endeavours of Secretary-General Guterres to sustain peace through a virtuous cycle of peace and development.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are proving to the international community that, when we come together, we have sufficient means to establish peace. We all desire peace. Peace represents the relatives and neighbours we love and the home towns we long for. Peace means sharing what we have together. A peace we have all achieved together is a peace for all. I am confident that all members will be with us always on the path to permanent peace and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula, as well as on the journey to a peaceful world.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“For the two Koreas, the significance of the United Nations goes beyond any international organization. On 17 September 1991, at the forty-sixth session of the General Assembly, the then 159 States Members of the United Nations unanimously adopted resolution 46/1 for the joint accession by South Korea and North Korea to the United Nations. Coincidentally, that day was the International Day of Peace. In their respective speeches, the representatives of South Korea and North Korea pledged that, although South Korea and North Korea had started as separate members, they would eventually become one some day through reconciliation, cooperation and peace (see A/46/PV.1). Now, 27 years later, South Korea and North Korea are realizing the pledge made on that day. We have crossed the barriers of division and are tearing down the walls in our hearts.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Korea has suffered directly from the Japanese military’s mobilization of comfort women. We will actively participate in discussions within the international community with regard to the issue of women and peace and security. We will also work together with the international community in efforts to eradicate sexual violence in conflict. Responding to climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy are challenges and tasks facing our generation. The Government of the Republic of Korea will raise its share of renewable energy in the nation’s total power generation to 20 per cent by 2030. We will faithfully implement the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in compliance with the Paris Agreement, and assist developing countries in their pursuit of sustainable development by supporting them with climate-change responses.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I believe that there needs to be a holistic approach that encompasses peace, development and human rights so as to fundamentally resolve humanitarian crises. The Government of the Republic of Korea will engage in discussions and provide support to make the United Nations relevant to all people. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Anyone who has confronted the abuse of power to advance human rights carries in his or her heart the first clause of the Declaration — “All human beings are born free and equal”. In particular, I am working to realize gender equality in tangible ways, as an important part of our administrative agenda. All forms of discrimination and violence against women are being dealt with even more sternly.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Inclusiveness is also a philosophy embedded in international development cooperation. The Government of the Republic of Korea will steadily expand its contribution to development cooperation to create a global community that leaves no one behind. The Republic of Korea is also increasing its assistance to people who are suffering from human rights violations and discrimination, in particular the most vulnerable groups, including children, youth, women and those with disabilities. We have increased our financial aid for refugees five times in the past five years. Starting from this year, Korea is providing 50,000 tons of rice every year to developing countries that are suffering from severe food crises.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Going forward, the Republic of Korea will engage in close consultations with countries in the region on concrete steps towards the East Asian railroad community. As we work to realize the United Nations spirit of multilateralism and pave the way for a future of shared prosperity, I would like to ask for the support and cooperation of the international community. The Republic of Korea, together with the United Nations, has weathered the storms of modern history. The United Nations and the Republic of Korea share common values and philosophies. This month, the Government of the Republic of Korea announced its vision of an inclusive nation based on a people-centred governing philosophy. We are moving towards a fair and just nation, as well as a society in which no one is discriminated against and everyone lives in harmony.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, regional conflicts stand in the way of pursuing broader cooperation. We will begin the work of resolving conflicts in North-East Asia starting with the Korean peninsula. On 15 August, I proposed the creation of an East Asian railroad community, which would involve six North-East Asian countries and the United States. The European Coal and Steel Community, which gave birth to the creation of the European Union, is a living example of what that kind of initiative could achieve. I believe that the East Asian railroad community will be able to serve as a starting point for the creation of an energy and economic community in East Asia, and, going a step further, lead to a multilateral peace and security architecture in North-East Asia. The two Koreas are working to reconnect disconnected railroads and roads.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United Nations has announced its commitment to leave no one behind. My sincere hope is that the vision of the United Nations of sustainable development will be realized on the Korean peninsula. I have no doubt that, if the international community paves the way, North Korea will not stall in making strides towards peace and prosperity. The Republic of Korea will spare no effort in guiding North Korea towards that path. I would like to call on the United Nations to share its experience and wisdom. The process of working towards denuclearization and establishing peace on the Korean peninsula is one that also leads to building peace and cooperation in North-East Asia, which is home to one fifth of the world’s population and accounts for a quarter of the global economy.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“On 9 September, during the ceremony marking the seventieth anniversary of its founding, North Korea expressed its commitment to peace and prosperity instead of boasting about its nuclear capabilities. North Korea moved out of long- standing isolation on its own initiative and stands before the international community once again. Now it is the international community’s turn to respond positively to North Korea’s new choices and efforts. We must assure Chairman Kim that he has made the right decision in committing to denuclearization. We must encourage North Korea to stay on the path that leads to permanent and solid peace. The role of the United Nations is crucial. The Secretariat has continued its efforts for dialogue and engagement, including the invitation of North Korean officials to international conferences.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“At the seventy-second session of the General Assembly, I expressed the hope that North Korea would choose peace of its own accord in order to establish sound and sustainable peace. That hope was shared by the United Nations and the entire international community. North Korea responded positively to our hopes and calls. Chairman Kim changed the direction of the political situation on the Korean peninsula through his New Year’s address on the first day of this year. The participation of North Korea’s athletes and delegation in the Pyeongcheng Winter Olympics provided the decisive momentum to break the impasse in building peace. On 20 April, North Korea officially ended its policy of nuclear development and has since devoted all of its efforts to economic development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, for his leadership and contribution in opening the way for North Korea to participate in the Pyeongcheng Olympic Winter Games. Just over a month after the close of the Pyeongcheng Paralympic Winter Games, Chairman Kim and I met for the first time in Panmunjeom. The United Nations welcomed and actively supported the adoption of the Panmunjeom Declaration. By doing so, it provided tremendous strength to the meetings that have followed, including the second inter-Korean summit, the United States-North Korea summit and the recent inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The Republic of Korea will spare no effort to encourage North Korea’s participation in the international community, while adhering to the resolutions adopted by the United Nations. A prelude to peace on the Korean peninsula unfolded in Pyeongcheng, Gangwon province last winter. It was the moment when the Olympic Truce resolution adopted at the General Assembly in November 2017 came to precious fruition. Secretary-General Guterres and many Heads of State extended their congratulations on the participation of North Korean athletes and officials in the Pyeongcheng Olympic Winter Games. They expressed their wishes for unity and peace on the Korean peninsula. The world was awakened to the sense of a new history of peace being written.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I look forward to seeing bold measures for denuclearization implemented among the countries concerned, thereby leading to a declaration to end the war. Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, the leaders of the south, the north and the United States will move step by step towards peace based on mutual trust. Such a dramatic change has been possible thanks to the support and encouragement of people around the world who desire peace. The United Nations in particular gave North Korea the courage to embark upon the road to peace. I would like to express my gratitude to the United Nations for its role. However, that is just the beginning. I would like to ask for continued support and cooperation from the Member States on our journey towards complete denuclearization and permanent peace.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Moreover, Chairman Kim expressed his commitment to permanently dismantling the missile-engine test site and launch platform in Dongchang-ri, under the observation of the international community as a first step in order to expedite progress in denuclearization. Furthermore, he expressed his firm willingness to continue to take additional denuclearization measures, including the permanent dismantlement of nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, as the United States takes corresponding measures in the spirit of the Sentosa agreement. The Korean peninsula has remained under the Armistice for the past 65 years. Ending the Korean War is an urgent task. It is a process we must go through in order to move towards a peace regime.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United States and the Republic of Korea suspended large-scale joint military exercises and built trust. I would like to thank and salute President Trump and Chairman Kim’s courage and resolve as they usher in a new era on the Korean peninsula, as well as in United States-North Korea relations. Last week in Pyongyang, I met Chairman Kim for the third time and reached an agreement once again to turn the Korean peninsula into a land of peace, free from nuclear weapons and threats. Chairman Kim expressed his hope of completing denuclearization as soon as possible to focus on economic development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“For the first time in history, the leader of North Korea crossed the Military Demarcation Line to visit Panmunjeom. A historic summit between the United States and North Korea was held on the island of Sentosa in Singapore. Chairman Kim Jong Un and I removed the shadow of war and resolved to usher in an era of peace and prosperity. At the United States- North Korea summit, the two sides agreed to work towards achieving the complete denuclearization on the Korean peninsula, thereby ending hostile relations and establishing a permanent peace regime. President Trump and Chairman Kim took action and gave hope to those who desire peace an around the world. North Korea dismantled its nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, under the observation of the international community.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I would like to express my deepest condolences on the passing away of Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. The world will forever remember his name, which has been etched in the road to peace. I would like to congratulate Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés on assuming the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-third session. I hope the United Nations will be able to reach out to every corner of the globe through this session. I also hope that the United Nations will make further progress in contributing to the international community under the excellent leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres. As I did last year (see A/72/PV.11), I stand here once again with a sense of urgency and excitement. Something miraculous has taken place on the Korean peninsula over the past year.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I hope they will put their hearts and minds together to go hand in hand with peace. Today, with that heartfelt pledge, I invite all Heads of State and Government from around the world to come to PyeongChang. The steps they take, together, will become a march for peace. I look forward to seeing them all in PyeongChang next year.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My heart fills with joy when I imagine North Korean athletes marching into the stadium during the opening ceremony, a South and North Korean joint cheering squad enthusiastically welcoming them alongside the brightly smiling faces of people from all over the world. It is not an impossible dream. I will work wholeheartedly to turn that into a reality, in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee, up until the last minute, in order to welcome North Koreans to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. I hope that PyeongChang will become another candle to be lit. Like the candles the Korean people held out in the face of the crisis of democracy, I believe that PyeongChang will become a candle that sheds light on peace when peace is threatened. I hope that all Member States and the United Nations will light their candles.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I hope that these three Olympics will offer an opportunity for promoting peace and economic cooperation in North-East Asia, where the remnants of the Cold War and hope for the future, as well as confrontations and cooperation, coexist. The Republic of Korea is ready to make every possible effort to that end. I would ask members of the Assembly to imagine, for one moment, people who love peace and sports gathering from all around the world in PyeongChang, which is only 100 kilometres from the demilitarized zone, the symbol of division and confrontation on the Korean peninsula. Heads of State and Government from all corners of the world will exchange greetings of friendship and harmony.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I believe that genuine peace and prosperity in North-East Asia will begin when the foundation for a North-East Asian economic community is solidified on one side and multilateral security cooperation comes into being on the other. When the Olympic Games were reintroduced, in 1896, they had not been held for 1,500 years. The impetus behind their revival was the thirst for peace. The history of the modern Olympics started with the overwhelming emotion of the first Olympics, held in Athens on the Balkan peninsula, once a centre of conflict. Five months from now, the XXIII Olympic Winter Games will be held in PyeongChang, in the Republic of Korea, the first of a series to be held in North-East Asia — PyeongChang in 2018, Tokyo in 2020 and Beijing in 2022.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The spirit of the United Nations is realizing global peace through multilateral dialogue. The Korean peninsula is where that spirit is most desperately needed. The realization of peace is what the United Nations was created for, what it aims for and what it is in the process of achieving. We need the United Nations to play a more active role on the Korean peninsula. The most important role the United Nations is being asked to play today is to come up with fundamental measures to end the vicious cycle of increased provocations and heightened sanctions. I have explained our new economic map for the Korean peninsula and new vision for the northern economy many times.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In that respect, the situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue must be managed calmly so that tensions are not ratcheted up too far and accidental military clashes do not destroy the peace. We should all remind ourselves of the words of former United States President Ronald Reagan: “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with conflict by peaceful means”. I would like to make a special request to the States Members of the United Nations and in particular to the Security Council. In order to fundamentally resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, the basic spirit of a secure community enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations should be fulfilled on the Korean peninsula and in North-East Asia. The pillars of security in North-East Asia and multilateralism should be wisely combined.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It must immediately cease making reckless decisions that could lead to its own isolation and downfall, and choose the path of dialogue. I urge North Korea to abandon its hostile policies against other countries and to give up its nuclear weapons programme in a verifiable and irreversible way. The efforts of the international community should also be strengthened. It must continue to respond strongly and sternly until North Korea gives up its nuclear programme of its own accord. All nations must thoroughly implement Security Council sanctions resolutions and seek new measures in the event of any further provocations by the North. It is also important to manage the situation calmly. All of our endeavours are aimed at preventing the outbreak of war and maintaining peace.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The relevant Security Council sanctions on North Korea, in resolutions that articulate the principles of a peaceful, diplomatic and political settlement of the North Korean nuclear issue, are also part of those efforts. Once again, here in the General Assembly, where nations pledge to act to achieve world peace and the shared prosperity of all peoples, I will make the following points very clear to North Korea and the international community. We do not desire the collapse of North Korea. We will not seek reunification by absorption or artificial means. If North Korea makes the decision, even at this juncture, to stand on the right side of history, we are ready, alongside the international community, to assist. North Korea should acknowledge all these immutable facts as soon as possible.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That clearly reflects the fact that the international community is collectively outraged and is responding with one voice to address the North Korean nuclear issue and the problems on the Korean peninsula. Once again, as the representative of one of the parties directly involved with issues concerning the Korean peninsula, I would like to express my appreciation to the international community for its shared understanding and support for the position of the Korean Government. Despite North Korea’s flagrant violation of its obligations and commitments under the Charter of the United Nations, the Korean Government and the international community are determined to make every possible effort to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue peacefully.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Despite the international community’s concerted demands and warnings, and to our great disappointment and indignation, North Korea recently carried out its sixth nuclear test and additional missile-related provocations. In the wake of the nuclear test, the Korean Government has consequently convinced countries in and beyond the region of the need for stronger sanctions and pressure to make North Korea end them and choose the path of dialogue. I very much appreciate the Security Council’s unanimous and unprecedentedly rapid adoption of resolution 2375 (2017), on North Korea sanctions, with measures tougher than in any previous resolution.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That describes the situation concerning the Republic of Korea on the Korean peninsula in September 2017. For me, the President of the only divided country in the world, achieving peace is a calling and a historic duty. I represent my fellow citizens, who have sent a message of peace through their candlelight revolution to the global village in which wars and conflicts know no end. At the same time, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding my people’s right to peace and to undisturbed daily life as universal values. For those reasons, I hope that North Korea will be able to choose its own path leading to peace. I believe that peace, when it is chosen willingly, naturally becomes sound and sustainable. More than anything, I am grateful that my convictions are shared by the international community.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My father, who believed that he was taking temporary refuge at that time, was never able to return to his hometown before he passed away. I come from one of the separated families — victims whose human rights were violated because of the war. The war has yet to come to a complete end. The Korean War, which began as an offshoot of the larger Cold War, continues to this day. Although the Cold War ended and it has been 64 years since the conclusion of the Korean armistice agreement, the war continues in the form of an uneasy ceasefire on the peninsula — the last remnant of the Cold War order in North-East Asia. As tensions mount in North-East Asia because of the North Korean nuclear and missile issue, the memory of war and its wounds are becoming more acute, and hearts that long for peace are filled with pain.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are currently pursuing economic policies focused on income growth for individuals and households, and promoting an economy in which growth is fuelled by job creation and everyone can enjoy equal opportunities and the products of growth. That is what we call a people-centred economy. My Administration’s determined endeavours to realize inclusive growth will not be confined to our country. In accordance with that new paradigm, the Republic of Korea will offer its support for sustainable growth in developing countries. I was born in a refugee town in the middle of the Korean War. That civil war, which evolved into an international war, devastated countless lives. More than 3 million people died, and many of the survivors were deprived of a decent living. My father was one of them.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is truly meaningful that the theme of this session of the General Assembly — “Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet” — is in line with the philosophy of governance of the new Administration in the Republic of Korea. “People come first” is the slogan that I have used for several years to express my political philosophy, and the people are at the centre of every policy of my new Administration. As of now, my Administration is pursuing bold measures to change the economic paradigm so as to deal with inequalities that stand in the way of growth and social cohesion.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“By expediting the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and making changes in its own energy policy, the Korean Government is also taking a lead role in supporting the climate-change responses of developing countries through the Global Green Growth Institute and the Green Climate Fund. Moreover, my Administration has reached the goal of filling 30 per cent of its Cabinet positions with female ministers, thereby spearheading efforts to realize gender equality, one of the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the next few years, the Republic of Korea will significantly increase its contributions to the United Nations in every sector.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Since our Government was established, in 1948, we have received significant assistance from the United Nations, both during the Korean War and in the process of post-war reconstruction. Although we were not able to become a Member of the United Nations until 1991, we have enhanced our role and responsibilities as a State Member faster than any other in the span of only a single generation. Since 1993, Korea continues to participate in peacekeeping operations. As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission this year, it is focusing on resolving the root causes of conflicts. In the past five years, the Republic of Korea has increased its financial assistance for refugees 15- fold, and last year, it joined the $20-million-plus club under the aegis of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The new Administration of the Republic of Korea was made possible by that candlelight revolution. Beyond its significance in making way for democratic elections, the Administration was established through the people’s participation and aspirations in the awareness that they are the rightful owners of the nation. I stand here now on behalf of that Administration. I am very thankful for, as well as proud, of the fact that the Republic of Korea, while it is a democracy that bloomed only recently, has shown the world new hope for that form of Government. Currently building on its new-found strength, the Republic of Korea intends to play an active role in addressing the issues facing the international community. The Republic of Korea has always walked in step with the United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“There was singing, dancing and painting, the radiant faces of parents taking their children by the hand to join the rallies, and the pride of young people who picked up trash on the streets afterwards. All those scenes were very much a part of our democracy and peace. The candlelight revolution in Korea started in a public square where a yearning for the restoration of democracy and the Constitution awakened citizens’ collective intelligence. I myself participated in the rallies as an ordinary citizen. The people of the Republic of Korea achieved democracy in the most peaceful and beautiful manner. They proved the power of popular sovereignty, which is the quintessence of democracy. They also proved that the power of peace can bring greater changes to the world than violence can.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“For this reason, we should truly fulfil the spirit of the United Nations in finding solutions to all the problems facing us. To that end, I hope the world will look to the Republic of Korea, located on the southern part of the Korean peninsula at the eastern end of the Eurasian continent. I believe the candlelight rallies last winter in my country represented a historic moment that reflectedthe brilliant achievement of the spirit of the United Nations. Embodying the power of cooperation and solidarity in defiance of challenges, the rallies lit the way ahead towards a future for humankind. Some may remember the scenes of the candlelight rallies shown by the media. On streets sparkling with millions of lights, people expressed their opinions freely and joined in discussions on every street corner.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I look forward to its rebirth as an even stronger organization for fostering peace and prosperity for all peoples during his tenure as Secretary-General. As I prepared this address, I thought about the spirit of the United Nations and the joint mission we all share. The United Nations is perhaps one of the best institutional inventions created by human intelligence. It was born to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and has worked tirelessly to meet the challenges confronting humankind over the past 70 years. The role and contribution to the international community of the United Nations will continue to grow over time. Today the number of transnational issues continues to increase, and no country can resolve them single-handedly.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“First of all, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Korea, I would like to take this opportunity to convey my deepest sympathy to the victims of the earthquake that hit Mexico on 19 September as well as to the people and the Government of Mexico. I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all Member States and the staff of the Secretariat for their contributions to world peace and security. I congratulate Mr. Miroslav Lajčák on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy- second session. I expectt this session will yield many meaningful results under his excellent leadership. I also wish Secretary-General António Guterres great success. The Republic of Korea is a strong supporter of the goals of the United Nations aimed at preventing conflicts and sustaining peace.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)