THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- REMARKS TO THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE HONOURING STAFF MEMBERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Today we pay tribute to 136 United Nations personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

We are deeply grateful to be joined by many of their family members — both here in New York, and online around the world.

Your presence reminds us that for every life lost, there are people left behind: bonds of love and friendship that endure.

Our thoughts are with you today, and every day.

Please join me in a moment of silence to honour our fallen colleagues.

[PAUSE]

Thank you.

The women and men we commemorate today include 97 civilian personnel and 39 uniformed peacekeepers – military and police.

They came from 32 countries: diverse in background, but united in purpose.

Among them, 80 served with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza.

More UN colleagues have been killed in Gaza than in any other conflict or disaster in the history of the United Nations.

Some died alongside their families in their homes, or in the places they sought refuge. Others were killed while carrying out their duties – in offices, in shelters, and in the communities they served.

These tragedies weigh heavily on us all – and should  be remembered by the entire world.

Let me be clear. UN personnel must never be targeted. Attacks on peacekeepers and humanitarian workers are a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment for the security and safety of UN personnel everywhere, and we will never stop demanding accountability.

In keeping with long-standing practice, we have sought the consent of families to read aloud the names of those we honour.

Tragically, in the case of many who served with UNRWA, we could not reach those families, because they too have been killed or forced to flee.

Instead, we remember these staff through their work:

They were teachers educating children.

Medical workers healing the sick and injured.

Drivers delivering aid.

And many, many more.

Dear friends,

The United Nations was founded on a simple truth: that working together – to advance sustainable development, to promote human rights, to secure justice – makes the world more peaceful and humane.

It is also a promise that when bombs fall, or floods rise, or children have nothing to eat – someone will reach out their hand.

It takes a special kind of person to uphold that promise.

The colleagues we mourn today chose to serve in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on Earth – because they understood that the world does not improve unless someone strives to improve it.

It has been the privilege of my life to work alongside people like them – and people like you.

Dear colleagues,

This is my final annual staff memorial as Secretary-General.

For ten years, I have seen our Organization face down challenge after challenge.

A global pandemic.

Economic upheaval.

Climate chaos. 

And some of the most brutal conflicts in years.

But through it all, the constant has been the women and men of the United Nations: people prepared with open eyes and open hearts, to risk it all in the name of others.

We live in a moment when multilateralism is under attack. When powerful forces would have us believe that the United Nations – that unity itself – is a pipedream.

The people we commemorate today prove otherwise.

Amidst all the fear and the doubt, they knew exactly how to live:

We must be brave enough to take a stand.

Kind enough to care for others.

And dedicated enough to keep showing up.

Courage, compassion, and commitment.

These are the qualities that defined your loved ones. These are the highest instincts of humankind.

Today, we commit to carrying forward their work.

To our departed colleagues and friends: thank you.

You made our world a better place.

We will remember you – now and always.

Thank you.

*****

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