September 25, 2006

On multilateralism, Ban began his remarks by noting that while the Asia-Pacific region was on the rise in terms of political and economic influence, the region's security situation is far less developed. With different cultures, different assessments of the past and different political systems, Asian nations are wary of one another and don't share a sense of common purpose. Regional cooperation needs to be increased and institutionalized. Progress has been made, Ban pointed out, as regional forums, like ASEAN+3, APEC and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), grow in relevance. However, more action-oriented bodies are needed to assure peace and security. With this imperative, Asians should learn from Europe's post-war experience of committing itself to multinational governance through the EU and the OSCE. The prospects for an "Asian EU" are generally dismissed as overreaching and dreamy-eyed by critics, but Ban believes that significant progress can be made towards such a goal with the leadership of the U.S.

On the diplomatic impasse over North Korea's nuclear program, Ban highlighted the progress that the Six-Party Talks had made, culminating in the September 2005 joint statement, before the talks broke down. The DPRK's missile test this July has further destabilized the diplomatic situation, and the U.S. and South Korea are working closely to coordinate their positions in response. The only viable solution, according to Ban, is for North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks unconditionally.

Coming to the subject of the United Nations, and his much-discussed candidacy for secretary general, Ban said that the Republic of Korea had been a major beneficiary of UN action and was a strong supporter of the UN's mission. As secretary general, he added, his primary focus would be to reform and streamline the organization so it can better perform its mission.

"The global organization is overstretched and fatigued, and often criticized for not delivering on promises made," Ban said. "The organization needs to sharpen its tools and streamline its work...the next secretary general of the UN will have the chance to take the UN to a new era of effective multilateralism.  This, I believe, lies in greater focus on implementation and fulfillment of pledges already made, such as the [Millennium Development Goals], so as to strengthen states and the inter-state system against the new challenges of the 21st century."

Minister Ban's speech was followed by a question and answer session with the audience.