The following is a list of speeches in whose creation I participated while I was a speechwriter at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations from 2004 to 2007.
2007
September 28, 2007
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
General Assembly
General Debate
“It is important that we see not only threats and challenges in our world, but also opportunities.”
June 25, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
Open-Ended Working Group for the Fourth Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament
“A crucial step in advancing our deliberations is to face reality. The history of disarmament efforts has been marked by successes and failures. We should learn from the failures. But at the same time, we should not let our attachment to successes of the past become a stumbling block in the path to future progress.”
June 6, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Fifth Committee
Strengthening the Capacity of the Organization to Manage and Sustain Peace Operations
“Let me begin by expressing once again my delegation’s firm belief that the Secretary-General should first be given the flexibility and necessary resources to properly manage the United Nations, before making him accountable. Flexibility should precede accountability.”
May 22, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Briefings by Chairmen of Subsidiary Bodies of the Security Council
“The Republic of Korea is fully committed to combating terrorism, irrespective of its form and motivation.”
May 3, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters
7th Meeting
“Given the critical importance of the issue in question, my delegation supports the Facilitators’ view that the General Assembly should opt for a Security Council reform formula that can garner the widest possible political acceptance by the Membership, well above the required majority.”
April 11, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
2007 Substantive Session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC)
“It has become customary at meetings such as this to note the many setbacks that have befallen the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation machinery in recent years. But what truly matters is not the setbacks themselves, so much as their consequences.”
February 23, 2007
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
Security Council
Open Debate on the Implementation of Resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1673 (2006)
“The world today faces mounting threats from the proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Particularly frightening is the possibility of such weapons being used by terrorists. It has become imperative for the international community to work together to address these threats.”
2006
December 12, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Plenary of the General Assembly
Item 9: Report of the Security Council
Item 111: Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters
“We support a reformed Security Council that is more effective, representative, transparent, democratic and accountable.”
December 12, 2006
Mr. Sul Kyung-hoon, Counsellor
Fifth Committee
Item 47: Integrated and Coordinated Implementation and Follow-up to the Outcomes of the Major United Nations Conferences and Summits in the Economic, Social and Related Fields
“On governance, the Republic of Korea has long supported the implementation of results-based budgeting and management. We believe that such an approach is necessary if resources are to be used efficiently and effectively, and we hope to see further strengthening of this approach.”
December 7, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Plenary of the General Assembly
Item 71: (a) Oceans and the Law of the Sea, and (b) Sustainable Fisheries
“The oceans and seas are invaluable to the welfare of humanity, providing living and non-living marine resources and a vital avenue of transportation. However, the world continues to be troubled by piracy and the degradation of marine resources.”
November 11, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
Plenary of the General Assembly
Item 16: The Situation in Afghanistan
“The Republic of Korea has actively joined in global efforts to support Afghanistan. Since 2002, we have continued to provide military personnel to support stability and reconstruction in Afghanistan. Furthermore, building upon our contribution of approximately $60 million over the past four years, the Republic of Korea is planning to support the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact by earmarking additional $20 million for the next three years.”
November 1, 2006
Mr. Sul Kyung-hoon, Counsellor
Fifth Committee
Item 123: Human Resources Management Reform
“In the end, it is not numbers and statistics, but human beings, who carry out the vital work of this Organization. We pledge to bear in mind this important reality as we progress in our discussions of proposals for human resources reform.”
October 30, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
Plenary of the General Assembly
Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
“The nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on 9 October 2006, poses a grave threat not only to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, but the global non-proliferation regime as well.”
October 23, 2006
Mr. Yoo Dae-jong, First Secretary
Fifth Committee
Items 46, 118, 120, 122, 124, 128, 129 and 136 (Procurement Reform)
“As we are all aware, the sharp surge in peacekeeping operations in recent years has led to rapid and substantial increases in the value of procurement by the UN Secretariat, from $180 million in 1996 to more than $1.6 billion in 2005.”
October 10, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Chang Dong-hee, Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament
First Committee
Thematic Discussion on Other Weapons of Mass Destruction
“The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) remains the fundamental legal and normative foundation for our collective endeavours to prohibit and prevent the use of biological and bio-toxic weapons.”
October 2, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Second Committee
General Debate
“Aid, debt relief and trade are widely regarded as vital to development. Of these three, I subscribe to the view that trade far outweighs the other two.”
September 21, 2006
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General-Designate
61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Acceptance Statement
With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by the Member States, and with an unswerving resolve to honor that trust, I humbly accept the appointment as the 8th Secretary-General of this great Organization, our United Nations.
June 19, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fifth Committee
Agenda Items 46, 118, 120, 122, 124, 128, 129 and 136
“As we all know, our time is short. My delegation is ready and willing to engage constructively in order to fulfil the mandates given by our leaders. I sincerely hope that other delegations will also show the necessary flexibility and eagerness to do our homework and to reach consensus, which is this Committee’s long standing tradition.”
June 5, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Plenary of the General Assembly
Mandate Review
“Turning to international observances, we agree that there is a need to reduce their number significantly. To do so, we should agree on a set of basic principles and criteria for deciding which observances to keep and which to eliminate.”
June 1, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fifth Committee
Item 126: Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations
“Despite various signs of improvement in the financial situation of the United Nations, the future remains uncertain.”
April 26, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Plenary of the General Assembly
The Report of the Secretary-General Entitled “Mandating and Delivering: Analysis and Recommendations to Facilitate the Review of Mandates”
“My delegation hopes that this mandate review process will shed light on ways to implement existing tasks more effectively, as well as on means to improve our work in the future.”
April 12, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Plenary of the General Assembly
Mandate Review
“Burdensome and redundant reporting requirements, overlapping mandates between and within principal organs, unwieldy and duplicative architectures for implementation, and gaps between mandates and resources have all been chronic problems.”
April 11, 2006
Mr. Choi Hong-ghi, Counsellor
Substantive Session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission
Statement
“Non-proliferation has its counterpart in disarmament. The disarmament obligations on nuclear weapons states, laid out in Article VI of the NPT, are fundamental to the full implementation of the Treaty.”
January 27, 2006
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region
“There are three issues that are most relevant to the achievement of durable peace, security and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region: firstly, taking a regional approach, secondly, focusing on the peacebuilding process, and thirdly, addressing the root causes of conflicts.”
2005
December 9, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
“In the era of globalization, the nature of conflicts has radically changed.”
November 30, 2005
General Assembly
A/RES/60/34: Public Administration and Development (Resolution)
“The General Assembly … emphasizes that good governance and transparent and accountable public administration at the national and international levels will contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.”
November 29, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Oh Joon, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Item 17: The Situation in Afghanistan and Its Implications for International Peace and Security
Item 73 (e): Emergency International Assistance for Peace, Normalcy and Reconstruction of War-stricken Afghanistan
“There are still many challenges to lasting stability and sustainable development. As is widely recognized, the two most important issues are security and drugs.”
November 28, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Item 75 (a) and (b): Oceans and the Law of the Sea
“To eradicate the scourge of piracy and armed robbery against ships that currently plagues the waters of Southeast Asia, 16 countries have adopted a Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.”
November 10, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Third Committee
Item 39: Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Questions Relating to Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons and Humanitarian Questions
“Finding a lasting solution to the plight of refugees remains a crucial challenge for all of us.”
November 10, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Item 9: Report of the Security Council
Item 117: Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters
“The Republic of Korea has made it clear that it supports a reformed Security Council that is more representative, accountable and effective. In the same vein, we have opposed any expansion of permanent membership.”
November 8, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Item 81: Report of the International Criminal Court
“Progress will not only bring to justice perpetrators of heinous crimes, but will also serve as a deterrent of future atrocities. The success of the Court will send a strong message to the international community that there will be no impunity for those who would commit crimes against humanity, genocide, or war crimes.”
November 1, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
First Committee
Chairman’s Closing Remarks
“By reason alone, the choice should be a clear and simple one. The path of disarmament and non-proliferation is the one we must take. Then why is it so difficult for us to make progress on this critical issue?”
November 1, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Rules of Procedure and Transitional Arrangements of the Human Rights Council
October 31, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Third Committee
Item 71 (b), (c) and (e): Human Rights
October 31, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Item 72: Holocaust Remembrance
October 27, 2005
Minister-Counsellor Song Young-wan
Fifth Committee
Item 124: Proposed Programme Budget for the Biennium 2006-2007
October 24, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
General Assembly: Informal Consultations of the Plenary
Human Rights Council
October 24, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fourth Committee
Item 32: Comprehensive Review of the Whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in All Their Aspects
October 20, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fifth Committee
Item 126: Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations
October 19, 2005
Second Secretary Ahn Eun-ju
Sixth Committee
Item 83: Scope of Legal Protection under the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel
October 13, 2005
Counsellor Choi Hong-ghi
Fourth Committee
Item 33: Questions Relating to Information
October 10, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Sixth Committee
Item 108: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism
October 4, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
First Committee General Debate
Keynote Speech
July 29, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly
Cluster IV (Strengthening the United Nations) Issues of the Revised Draft Outcome Document of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the 60th General Assembly of the United Nations
July 29, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly
Cluster III (Human Rights and Rule of Law) of the Revised Draft Outcome Document of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the 60th General Assembly of the United Nations
July 29, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly
Cluster II (Peace and Collective Security) Issues of the Revised Draft Outcome Document of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the 60th General Assembly of the United Nations
July 28, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Informal Meeting of the Plenary of the General Assembly
Cluster I (Development) Issues of the Revised Draft Outcome Document of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the 60th General Assembly of the United Nations
July 12, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
112th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly
Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters: draft resolution (A/59/L.64)
July 1, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council Substantive Session of 2005
Achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration, as well as implementing the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits: progress made, challenges and opportunities
June 27, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Choi Young-jin, Permanent Representative
High-level Dialogue of the General Assembly on Financing for Development
Financing for Development
April 28, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Informal Thematic Consultations of the General Assembly
Cluster IV: The Imperative for Collective Action: The Report of the Secretary-General: “In Larger Freedom: Towards Security, Development and Human Rights for All”
April 21, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Informal Thematic Consultations of the General Assembly
Cluster II: Freedom from Fear: The Report of the Secretary-General: “In Larger Freedom: Towards Security, Development and Human Rights for All”
April 7, 2005
H.E. Amb. Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly
The Report of the Secretary-General: “In Larger Freedom: Towards Security, Development and Human Rights for All”
March 23, 2005
Minister Kang Kyung-wha
Fifth Committee of the General Assembly
Item 127: Financing of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC)
March 2, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
The International Affairs Committee of the Women’s National Republican Club
Korea-US Relations: Past, Present and Future
February 16, 2005
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Small Arms
2004
October 28, 2004
H.E. Amb. Chun Yung-woo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fifth Committee of the General Assembly
Item 110: Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations
October 26, 2004
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Fourth Committee of the General Assembly
Agenda Item 77: Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects
October 19, 2004
H.E. Amb. Chun Yung-woo, Deputy Permanent Representative
Fourth Committee of the General Assembly
Agenda item 78: Questions Relating to Information
October 19, 2004
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts
October 11, 2004
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
General Assembly
Report of the Security Council (Item 11) and on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters (Item 53)
October 6, 2004
H.E. Ambassador Kim Sam-hoon, Permanent Representative
Security Council
Justice and the Rule of Law