Quote

World military spending has now risen to over $1.2 trillion. This incredible sum represents 2.5 per cent of GDP (global gross domestic product). Even if 1 per cent of it were redirected towards development, the world would be much closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Ban Ki-moon

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Ban Ki-moon
Age: 80
Born: 1944
Born: June 13
Diplomat
Politician
Ban Kimoon
Ban Ki Moon
World
Products
Represents
Trillion
Development
Closer
Millennium
Military
Incredible
Cent
Achieve
Goals
Risen
Goal
Product
Achieving
Even
Global
Gross
Much
Spending
Cents
Would
Towards
Domestic

More quotes by Ban Ki-moon

Image
It has been said that knowledge is power. We need to strengthen education systems so that young people can benefit from cultural diversity, and not be victimized by those who exploit differences.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Every literate woman is a victory over poverty
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth – these are one and the same fight.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
In a world of plenty, no one, not a single person, should go hungry. But almost 1 billion still do not have enough to eat. I want to see an end to hunger everywhere within my lifetime.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
One of the main lessons I have learned during my five years as Secretary-General is that broad partnerships are the key to solving broad challenges. When governments, the United Nations, businesses, philanthropies and civil society work hand-in-hand, we can achieve great things.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
One of my earliest memories is walking up a muddy road into the mountains. It was raining. Behind me, my village was burning. When there was school, it was under a tree. Then the United Nations came. They fed me, my family, my community.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
The international community cannot accept that whole communities are marginalized because of the color of their skin. People of African descent are among those most affected by racism. Too often, they face denial of basic rights such as access to quality health services and education. Such fundamental wrongs have a long and terrible history.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
I call for the need of world leaders to address climate change and reduce the increasing risk of disasters- and world leaders must include mayors, townships and community leaders.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
You have to take ownership and leadership of tomorrow. For that to be possible, you have to strengthen your capacity and widen your vision as a global citizen.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Climate change is destroying our path to sustainability. Ours is a world of looming challenges and increasingly limited resources. Sustainable development offers the best chance to adjust our course.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Reason doesn't mean very much in a country like North Korea.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
It is only natural that people's wishes and aspirations should be realized by the leaders of the region. As this wind of change blows, it is up to the leaders to seize this opportunity to look for the better future for their own people through bold reforms before it is too late, before the people are forced to take action.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats of our time. Even one such attack could inflict mass casualties and create immense suffering and unwanted change in the world forever. This prospect should compel all of us to act to prevent such a catastrophe.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
To achieve a Green Revolution, African farmers, must have access to land and security of tenure. They also need access to markets, technology and improved infrastructure.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery let us reaffirm the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us redouble our efforts to build societies in which slavery truly is a term for the history books.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Extreme weather events continue to grow more frequent and intense in rich and poor countries alike, not only devastating lives, but also infrastructure, institutions, and budgets - an unholy brew which can create dangerous security vacuums.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
Our atmosphere can't tell the difference between emissions from an Asian factory, the exhaust from a North American SUV, or deforestation in South America or Africa.
Ban Ki-moon
Image
We have seen in the past where leaders have not been open-minded or have not been flexible. That's why the people came out to the streets and shouted and chanted for more reforms and more freedoms.
Ban Ki-moon