UNU International Courses (UNU/IC)
22 June 2001
Congratulatory Remarks
by Professor Motoyuki Suzuki
on behalf of the Rector of UNU
Your Excellencies,
IC Participants,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the closing ceremony of the United Nations University International Courses 2001 session. I would like to say a few words on behalf of the Rector of UNU, who expressed his regrets for not being able to attend this ceremony in person due to a commitment abroad.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The International Courses each year bring a group of around 60 participants from all parts of the world, and from a variety of professional backgrounds, to UNU, to engage in in-depth study and discussion of some of the most pressing issues that are the concern of international community: Topics ranged from human rights to environment, from development to the mechanisms of global governance. The International Courses therefore form an important component of the University's Capacity development efforts, which aim to enhance the capacity for learning, development and governance worldwide.
The International Courses are also linked closely with our research activities, which are aimed at offering solutions to some of the key problems affecting the lives for people around the world today. Our research programmes focus, as you may know, mainly on peace and conflict resolution, development in a changing world and, also, science and technology in relation to human welfare. For example, we have just completed a major research initiative highlighting ways developing countries can harness IT for economic growth. We are also trying to develop informed responses to the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization.
This year we are particularly focusing on activities that contribute to the UN's Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. We need to find better ways to live and work together - based on a genuine respect for our rich cultural, political, and religious diversity. I trust that during the 6 weeks of the International Courses, you have experienced just that - the enriching experience of exploring issues of common concern from a variety of cultural, professional, political and historical perspectives. More often than not do we come to realize that underneath much of the differences in viewpoint, analysis and ways to solve a given problem lies a common perception of what we would prefer our world to be like. This is the essence of dialogue - to learn to appreciate the value of a diversity of solutions while discovering the commonality of our goals. I hope that the International Courses have given you a strong sense of the importance of exposing yourself to other points of view.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We live in an increasingly interconnected and interactive world - characterized more by technology-driven exchange and communication than by territorial borders and political separation. Yet, the reality of massive human insecurity cannot simply be wished away. Over a billion people still living in abject poverty had neither the spirit nor the means to cheer the arrival of the new century. It is estimated, for instance, that every 8 seconds one child dies from a water-related disease.
In this period of transition, the United Nations remains the focus of the hopes and aspirations for a future where men and women live at peace with themselves and in harmony with nature. The UN will, however, need to constantly reform itself if it is to remain legitimate as well as effective.
In recent years the UNU - as a "think tank" for the UN system - has made great efforts to increase the immediate policy-relevance of its work, aiming in particular to strengthen the functioning of the UN as the major inter-governmental actor on the world stage.
I hear that the IC Participants, too, have spent this afternoon discussing ways to improve the effectiveness of the United Nations Systems. This shows all the better how the International Courses form an important part of our effort to develop and to disseminate new, creative ideas that can help improve international public policies and actions. And, thereby, in a small way to help us ensure a better life in a safer world for all.
Dear IC Participants,
As he stated at the Opening Ceremony a few weeks ago, the Rector has a keen interest in, and great expectations for, the International Courses, which he considers as one of the most important UNU programmes. He has asked me to relay to you his best wishes for a successful future career, which hopefully contributes, in whichever specific way each of you may choose, to the improvement of the world we live in. Let me close by adding that I sincerely hope that the UNU International Courses have contributed to broadening your outlook on the issues at stake, not only by deepening your knowledge, but also by helping you balance realism with idealism, short-term with long-term goals, and special interests with general interests.
It has been a privilege to have such a highly motivated group of young people at UNU. I wish you all the best.
Thank you very much.
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