Secretary-General stresses link between security and prosperity in message to forum

Asia’s economic and geopolitical emergence is among the most relevant issues of the current era, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on participants at the World Knowledge Forum to be “creative and courageous” in finding ways to boost global security and prosperity.

In a video message to the Forum, a three-day event starting today in Seoul, Mr. Ban said “knowledge-sharing endeavours such as yours are crucial to the work of the United Nations. Global problems demand global solutions, and increasingly, the world is turning to the United Nations. Our approaches need to be informed by the vision of both thinkers and practitioners – by leaders in every field, such as all of you.”

The main theme of the Forum this year, the eighth year it is being held, is “Wealth Creation and Asia,” and the Secretary-General said the development of talent and leadership, the relationship between security and prosperity and the global implications of Asia’s emergence are “issues of the greatest relevance to our times,” affecting both the public and private sectors.

“You all have a role to play in building a more secure and prosperous world – because today, our world runs on knowledge more than any other resource. I hope you will be both creative and courageous in your thinking, and wish you all a most stimulating Forum.”