On the occasion of his visit to Luxembourg to celebrate the country’s accession to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with students from the University of Luxembourg. An inspiring exchange on multilateralism, climate change, and the crucial role of young people in building a better future.
Thirty students from the University of Luxembourg had the honour of meeting and exchanging with former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, seven of May.Visiting Luxembourg to celebrate the country’s accession to the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), H.E. Ban Ki-moon was eager to address the youth and future leaders of the world.
“I am a child of war.” It is with these powerful words, that the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations began his address to the students. “I was saved by the United Nations. Countries from all over the world came together to help South Korea — countries I knew nothing about at the time, such as Luxembourg,” he continued, explaining the origins of his diplomatic career and the honour it was for him to be appointed UN Secretary-General in 2007.
‟ Whether you become entrepreneurs, politicians or scientists, you are the decision-makers of tomorrow. Always be global citizen.”
Asked by the students about the feasibility of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the initiator of the 2014 Climate Change Summit admitted his concern about meeting the 2030 deadline. “We have less than five years left. It is evident that the timeline will need to be extended. But that does not mean we should neglect the political role and moral responsibility in the face of climate challenges,” he insisted.
After more than an hour of conversation with the students, Ban Ki-moon concluded the morning with a strong message: “I’ve done my part, now it’s your turn. You are not powerless students. You have the power of the vote. Challenge your leaders when they don’t keep their promises. Whether you become entrepreneurs, politicians or scientists, you are the decision-makers of tomorrow. Always be global citizens. If all citizens walk together, the results will be very different.”