H.E. Ban Ki-moon at President Macky Sall’s Book Launch in New York
“Africa: Leading from the Heart”
Check against delivery
E
xcellencies,
President Macky Sall,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
I am honored to be given this opportunity to celebrate a longtime friend and outstanding statesman:
President Macky Sall.
Over many years, I have seen his wisdom. A leader who listens. A leader who builds bridges. A leader who always puts his people and his continent first.
A leader who prioritizes partnership and exchange.
At the United Nations, I have admired his calm strength.
He brings people together when others are divided.
Our world today is extremely polarized.
Multilateralism is under strain like never before.
I honestly fear for conflict among major powers.
I feel for the suffering of the conflicts we simply fail to stop: in Ukraine, in Palestine, in the Sudan.
And I am deeply concerned for the vulnerable who will suffer today’s drastic cuts in development aid.
It is, therefore, precisely in this moment, that we need President Macky Sall’s voice and vision.
As President of the African Union, he gave Africa its rightful seat in the G20. That was historic. That was leadership. That was partnership.
After stepping down from the office of President, he didn’t retire.
In fact, he took over from me as Chair of the Board of the Global Center on Adaptation.
He has spearheaded the world’s largest adaptation program: the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program.
He has shown that Africa is not waiting. Africa is moving forward. And this is the underlying theme of his book. Times are difficult, but we all must move forward.
And for that: we need bold leaders to take us forward, precisely like President Macky Sall.
I look at the state of the world with serious concern. But I look at Macky Sall and I have restored hope.
He reminds us that courage, integrity, and above all, the heart, still matter.
This new book is full of his wisdom.
I am certain it will be widely read – and well received, as a blueprint for global solidarity with Africa rising.
Congratulations on this important book, Mr President.
The world needs your voice today.
You can count on my partnership in the years to come.
I thank you.
