Reception hosted by the Acting Director-General and Ted Turner, Chairman of the United Nations Foundation

Mr. Turner
Ms. Calvin
Distinguished Members of the Board of the UN Foundation
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen:

A very warm welcome to the Palais des Nations for this reception in honour of the members of the Board of the UN Foundation, taking forward the work started with Mr. Turner’s visionary and historic gift to the United Nations.

At the heart of the work of the UN Foundation is a deep-rooted belief in multilateralism, in partnerships, and in the mission of the United Nations. And I am certain that all of you share this belief. You are here because you believe that it is possible to make a difference, as Mr. Turner did with his generous donation. And that we can do so most effectively by working together.

This event is an excellent opportunity to thank the UN Foundation, Ms. Calvin and her staff, and all the Board members – individually and collectively – for their tireless work to link the UN with people around the world, mobilizing the energy and expertise of business and civil society alike to make a real impact on the global scene.

We are privileged to have the UN Foundation back for the first time in ten years in our International Geneva – the cradle of our multilateral system and now the base of more than thirty UN entities, working for peace, rights and well-being for everyone on this planet. Every decision taken here, every action initiated, has a direct impact on all of us. We are grateful to partner with the UN Foundation in making those efforts better known, and ensuring that they continue to benefit those who need us the most.

Again, a deep-felt thank you to all of you for being here, and for your commitment to our United Nations.

It is now my honour and pleasure to hand over to the Chairman, Mr. Ted Turner, who continues to inspire us all with his belief in the values of the United Nations and the importance of our mission.

Thank you all for being here.