Special high-level event in the context of the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Accords on Indochina, co-hosted with the Permanent Mission of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Mr. Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam
Distinguished Ambassadors
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a great pleasure and a privilege to welcome you to this historic Council Chamber for our special high-level event, marking the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Accords on Indochina and the donation of a unique gift by Viet Nam. The presence here of so many Member States demonstrates the importance and significance of this occasion.

I greatly appreciate the presence today of His Excellency Mr. Nguyễn Sinh Hùng, Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, which highlights the firm commitment of Viet Nam to the mission of the United Nations. I had the pleasure of being with the Chairman earlier today at the 130th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and his participation here at the Palais des Nations also shows the United Nations’ strong partnership with national parliaments and with the IPU, which we value.

60 years ago, the Geneva Accords were negotiated and agreed in this Chamber, leading to a settlement that brought about the end of the Indochina War. The Geneva Accords shaped important parts of the history of the 20th century and determined the destiny of millions.

The Geneva Accords hold significant lessons on the possibilities of international peacemaking – and on the challenges in the implementation of the results. As we continue to face conflict and instability in many parts of the world, we have a collective responsibility to reflect on those lessons and work to apply them in our efforts to build sustainable peace for all.

On this historic occasion, I am honoured to receive, on behalf of the United Nations Office at Geneva, a replica of the renowned Đông Sơn Bronze Drum, one of the finest examples of the rich culture and history of Viet Nam. I thank the Government, the National Assembly and the people of Viet Nam for this remarkable donation.
With its intricate patterns, showing the daily lives of people, their aspirations and achievements, the drum symbolizes our shared hope of a better future. Placed here at the Palais des Nations, it will encapsulate our collective work to bring peace, rights and well-being to people across the world.

I understand also that the drum has been blessed by religious leaders in Viet Nam so I hope that it, in turn, will bless negotiators in this building with new ideas and inspire us all to work better together for our common goals.

The drum now ties together the ancient history of Viet Nam, its recent past and its future within the United Nations. I thank you again most warmly for this outstanding gift and for the commitment to the United Nations that it signifies.

It is my honour also to present to the Chairman this bound volume of key documents from the event that in our remarkable archives here at the Palais des Nations

Thank you very much.