Senate adopts reso honoring former UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon

The Senate on Tuesday adopted a resolution honoring the global contributions of South Korean diplomat Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations General Assembly.

“The Philippine Senate expresses its profound gratitude and honors the outstanding global contributions of the 8th United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,” stated Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 929 which was introduced by Senate President Pro-tempore Loren Legarda.

The resolution was made as the former UN Secretary-General addressed the Senate on Tuesday. With him was his wife and other Korean officials.

The Senate said Ban’s visionary leadership advocated and mobilized world leaders and parliaments for the adoption of various landmark projects, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UNSDGs), highlighting the importance of collective action to address poverty, hunger, inequality, climate crisis, and other pressing issues facing humanity.

“I would like our distinguished guest to know that the Philippines is one of only a handful of countries that actually has a committee on Sustainable Development Goals, and this is inspired no less than the work of our distinguished guest. It is under his leadership that the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals was established,” Senator Pia Cayetano said in sponsoring the resolution.

“He has shown us that leadership is not about power but responsibility and ability to inspire change,” she added.

The resolution highlighted some of Ban’s global contributions, such as the 2007 Climate Change Summit, one of his first major initiatives, during the lead-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Among his proactive efforts to strengthen the United Nations’ response to global health crises are the HlNl pandemic and the Ebola outbreak. He pioneered the creation of UN Women, increasing the number of women employed within the UN, and he likewise actively supported the HeFoiShe campaign initiative as the first to declare “1 am HeForShe” during the global campaign launch.

“WHEREAS, Mr. Ban Ki-moon confronted complex global as well as regional challenges with measured and pragmatic diplomacy, showcasing his diplomatic skills and commitment to multilateralism that earned him the respect and admiration of leaders and citizens around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the history of United Nations,” the resolution added.  

Several lawmakers, such as Senators Grace Poe, Robin Padilla, and Risa Hontiveros, expressed their gratitude and manifestation of the former UN Secretary-General.

“I would like to be made a co-sponsor of this resolution on Ban Ki-Moon and his many initiatives in his life’s work, including the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). If recent history has anything to teach us, it is that the environment cannot, must not, and need not be sacrificed to achieve economic growth and development,” said Hontiveros.

She said the GGGI can potentially create lasting change for the world, as in the Philippines, the fight against poverty is intrinsically linked to the state of our environment.

“Being part of the GGGI gives us the opportunity to lift our people out of poverty without sacrificing the natural world to do so. Together, we can protect our environment, reduce poverty, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all Filipinos. Maraming Salamat po, Kamsahamnida former Secretary-General Ban for showing us the way,” she added.

Ban and his wife arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Monday, February 26.

He was welcomed by the Malacañang Protocol and the South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Sang-hwa.

He was later received by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who also expressed his support for the GGGI.

Ban is in the Philippines for the Asian Development Bank’s Eminent Speakers’ Forum, the statement noted. He was in the country in December 2013 when he visited Tacloban City in Leyte after Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Ban currently chairs the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, Boao Forum for Asia, Global Center on Adaptation, and Global Green Growth Institute, among others.

The South Korean diplomat was elected to the UN General Assembly for two terms from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016. During his tenure, he “demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.”—RF, GMA Integrated News