In her first address at the United Nations in more than 50 years, Queen Elizabeth II lauded the UN’s growth and achievements over the past half century but also called on delegates and diplomats to keep sight of their commitment to the organizations principles and strengthen cooperation among member states.
“When I was first here there were just three UN operations overseas. Now over 120 000 men and women are deployed in 26 missions across the world. You have helped to reduce conflict, you have offered humanitarian assistance to millions of people affected by natural disasters and other emergencies and you have been deeply committed to tackling the effects of poverty in many parts of the world. But so much remains to be done…”
The Queen’s last appearance at the United Nations General Assembly was in 1957, a time when fallout from the Korean War, Cold War tensions and decolonization highlighted the fractured relationships among member states. This afternoon, Elizabeth II emphasized the UN’s ability to adapt and overcome past challenges. She identified terrorism and climate change as the world body’s new test.
“In my lifetime , the UN has moved from being a high minded aspiration to being a real force for common good. That of itself has been a signal achievement, but we are not gathered here to reminisce. In tomorrow’s world we must all work together as hard as ever if we are truly to be United Nations…”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also addressed delegates, thanking the Queen for her leadership as the head of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, noting that the four largest providers of peacekeeping troops are Commonwealth countries.
“In a changing and turning world, you are an anchor for our age, your reign spans the decades, from the challenges of the cold war to the threat of global warming, from the Beatles to Beckham, from the television to twitter, you have become a living symbol of grace, constancy and dignity”
This is the first time the Queen has been in New York since the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1976. She is also scheduled to visit Ground Zero later this evening.