Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, recorded a video message of support to the Chinese people.
Tsinghua University's Institute for Sustainable Development Goals (TUSDG) was commissioned by Ban Ki-moon to release this video yesterday.
This is following his letter encouraging concerted efforts to support China overcome the epidemic.
Dear my friends in China,
As we mark the beginning of a new year, my heart goes out to friends in China who are suffering under the shadow of the novel coronavirus.
The world is wary with fear of the virus lurking in the darkness.
However, I can say without any doubt that I see hope in this dire situation.
This is because the Chinese people are united in one and fearlessly fighting against the virus.
As a friend of China, I would like to extend my deepest respect to the 1.4 billion Chinese people who are fighting against the epidemic; and sincere condolences to those who lost their lives because of the virus.
President Xi Jinping has more than once emphasized the priceless value of life. I firmly believe that the Chinese value of life and their wisdom accumulated for the past five thousand years will enable China to overcome this epidemic.
I also believe that the powerful measures taken by the Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi, the national spirit of unity, and the selfless dedication of all medical staff will surely allow China to win the battle against the novel coronavirus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the global community will continue to bring forth humanitarian assistance and work together to support China's huge efforts.
During my term as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, I have urged the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals and called for the protection of human health. Likewise, I will stand together with the Chinese people in their battle against the epidemic.
On January 30th, I had spoken with the Director-General of the World Health Organization, and reaffirmed my will to go all on overcoming the epidemic.
Dear my friends in China,
I believe in the power of pulling together in times of trouble.
Working together, we can write a new chapter in history of how we fearlessly have battled to defend humanity and won. Let us not lose hope, as the glory of victory is near.
Ban Ki-moon
Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia
8th Secretary-General of the United Nations
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon first visited Tsinghua University in November 2018. He gave a keynote speech, titled "Planning and Creating the Next Civilized City for Sustainable Development", during the "2018 Future Consensus Forum —— Next Civilized City and Sustainable Development” co-hosted by the Institute for Sustainable Development Goals, Tsinghua University.
During the forum, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens signed a tripartite MOU with Yeosijae (Future Consensus Institute) and Tsinghua University to establish a foundation for future collaborations in research, talent cultivation and academic exchange.
Ban has been very supportive towards the progress of Tsinghua's Institute for Sustainable Development Goals over the past few years, building a long term cooperative relationship.
Source: TUSDG
