Beirut, Lebanon
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Thank you very much Mr. Minister (of Education Elias Abou-Saab) and I’m very glad to be here with you today. I spend a lot of time in meetings in New York and also when I travel around the world.
But I feel very much at home when I meet people who are affected by the realities of the world and who in this case are getting an education under very very difficult circumstances in a region in crisis. And we have a great sense of solidarity with the Lebanese people who have been hosting so many Syrian refugees, displaced persons as you call them, here in your country.
And today to see the joy in the eyes of the children when they get their education, when they were wishing us happy holidays, Merry Christmas and to see both girls and boys here together getting a start in life in spite of these horrible circumstances that they have behind them and the hardships also here.
But we understand the the strains that the Lebanese society is feeling. But also understand; strongly appreciate your sense of solidarity with the next generation.
And you as minister of education has given me examples of the support given to the new generation here and we hope very much that these kids will grow up to a peaceful society also in Syria
So I just wanna thank everybody for making this possible.
I think today really shows that we are together. I have in my hand the UN charter, I always carry it in my pocket
I always remind my friends and colleagues that the first three words of this charter. the first three words of this charter, are We the Peoples
We are to serve the people.
We have to give them peace we have to give them development and education and a life in dignity and that’s what you are doing by this program
So thank you very much to the Lebanese people, all the best to the young children are here and let’s hope to work together in the true spirit of the UN charter and the United Nations
And I’ll donate a charter in Arabic to the head of the school
(laughs)
So that you know that you have a right according to the charter too to these basic rights that you are now providing thanks to the Minister here and his colleagues.
We are together working on this.
And again thank you for a wonderful visit and for me to be able to see the next generation.
