Ban congratulates Donald Trump on his election as next US President

“I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as forty-fifth President of the United States of America,” Ban said this morning in a statement he read out to the press at the UN Headquarters in New York.

“In the aftermath of a hard-fought and often-divisive campaign, it is worth recalling and reaffirming that the unity in diversity of the United States is one of the country's greatest strengths. I encourage all Americans to stay true to that spirit,” he said.

Noting that on Wednesday's global challenges demand concerted global action and joint solutions, the UN chief said: “As a founding member of the United Nations and permanent member of the Security Council, the United States is an essential actor across the international agenda. People everywhere look to the United States to use its remarkable power to help lift humanity up and to work for the common good.”

“The United Nations will count on the new Administration to strengthen the bonds of international cooperation as we strive together to uphold shared ideals, combat climate change, advance human rights, promote mutual understanding and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)to achieve lives of peace, prosperity and dignity for all,” Ban added.

The Secretary-General stressed the need to mobilize around the principles and common values of the UN Charter more than ever.

Ban expressed his deep appreciation to former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for a lifetime commitment to peace, the advancement of women and the well-being of children. “She has been a powerful global symbol of women's empowerment, and I have no doubt that she will continue to contribute to our work across the world,” he said.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

Source: www.justearthnews.com