Speech by Honorable Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the 8th UN Secretary-General, Upon Acceptance of the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan

Ulaanbaatar, November 2, 2024 /MONTSAME/. On the National Pride Day, the 862nd Anniversary of the Birth of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa awarded the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan, to the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. We present the full speech of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.

“His Excellency Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia,

His Excellency Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Prime Minister of Mongolia,

The Honorable Amarbayasgalan Dashzegve, Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with immense honor and gratitude that I stand before you today to accept the State Supreme Decoration of Mongolia, Order of Chinggis Khaan.

While this is a recognition of personal achievement, more importantly, it is also a celebration of the rich history and enduring spirit of the Mongolian people.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to His Excellency Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, and all those involved in this prestigious award for selecting me as an awardee.

Chinggis Khaan, a name that resonates far beyond the borders of Mongolia, is a symbol of strength, vision, innovation, and unyielding determination.

His legacy is a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unity. As I humbly accept this Award, I am reminded of the guiding values he embodied; values that are more relevant today than ever before.

Indeed, in a world that often feels divided, Chinggis Khaan’s ability to unite diverse peoples under a common vision serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, diversity, and understanding in harmony with strong leadership.

This Award also encourages us to look beyond our differences and work together toward a better future.

My own journey, though I am dwarfed by the shadow of the great Chinggis Khaan, has been shaped by the same ideals that Chinggis Khaan championed.

The Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future holds the view that nature is not an object to be conquered, but to be respected. Humanity must coexist with nature for its very existence.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs embody this same imperative of harmony with nature alongside the core values of human rights and equitable development for all.

And I also believe that these values represent the vision of the great leader Chinggis Khaan and the Mongolian government today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have dedicated my life to fostering dialogue and promoting multilateral cooperation to realize the ideals of the United Nations.

Whether through education, community initiatives, or cross-cultural collaborations, I believe that we can build key bridges that connect us all.

I have also witnessed the transformative power of understanding. Each interaction, each story shared, reminds me that we are all part of a larger tapestry, woven together by our shared humanity.

In this regard, Mongolia’s history does not stop at the past; it is a living narrative that continues to evolve.

It is a story of strength and adaptability; qualities that are increasingly essential as we navigate the challenges of the modern world laden with interconnected challenges.

In accepting this Award, I humbly request all of us to embrace Chinggis Khaan’s legacy.

Let us expand our common efforts to strive for unity in diversity, courage in the face of adversity, and an unwavering commitment to peace.

In closing, I graciously accept this Award not only on my behalf but also as a tribute to all those who believe in the power of connection and understanding.

I once again thank Mongolia and the leadership of His Excellency Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, for this incredible honor.

I look forward to continuing our journey together.

Thank you.”