Ban Ki-moon Hails Chicago's Efforts On Environment

United States: Ban Ki-moon hails Chicago's efforts to protect the environment

7 February 2008 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed the efforts of Chicago, one of the largest cities in the United States, to achieve environmental sustainability.

The UN and Chicago "share one common goal and vision - that is addressing climate change, to make this planet earth more hospitable and environmentally sustainable for generations to come," Mr. Ban said at a luncheon hosted by Mayor Richard Daley.

"We know you as the home of important partners of the United Nations," said the Secretary-General, citing Rotary International and the MacArthur Foundation, both of which work with the world body in a range of areas.

Mayor Daley voiced his city's backing for the Organization's work. "We actively support the UN's mission of promoting peace and stability in the world, through cooperation and understanding," he said.

He thanked the UN for its "great commitment to improving cities all over the world."

Later, Mr. Ban visited the MacArthur Foundation, discussing his priorities with some two dozen officials there. "We have shared goals and objectives, and what you are doing is greatly appreciated by me and by the international community as a whole," he said.

The MacArthur Foundation has provided grants to support numerous UN activities, including the work of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Department of Disarmament Affairs and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"I was inspired by his priorities and by his commitment to putting peace and security at the heart of his agenda, I give him a lot of credit for taking on the climate change issue, using the pulpit of his office to raise awareness, and I am extremely pleased that he wants to reinvigorate disarmament," Foundation President Jonathan Fanton said in an interview with the UN News Service.

ENDS

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