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The Queen makes historic 'global dangers' speech to UN
7 Jul 2010The Queen urged the United Nations to lead the world in tackling "global dangers" such as terrorism and climate change while honouring its core commitments of insuring "security, prosperity and dignity" for all.
The monarch's comments came in a speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York - the first time she has stood before the 192 member states for 53 years.
She praised the world body's achievements since its formation in 1945 as "remarkable" but also highlighted challenges that have grown in recent decades.
During the visit to New York the Queen also paid her first visit to Ground Zero to meet bereaved families and some of the fire and police officers who were the first to responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Speaking on a podium below the UN logo, she told the delegates and guests who included Prince Philip and UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon: "For over six decades the United Nations has helped to shape the international response to global dangers.
"The challenge now is to continue to show this clear and convening leadership while not losing sight of your ongoing work to secure the security, prosperity and dignity of our fellow human beings."
When the Queen first addressed the General Assembly in 1957 she expressed guarded optimism about the institution's ability to achieve the goals of its founding fathers.
She defined those early aspirations as "peace between nations, equality of justice for all" and right of people to live in "freedom and security".
The Queen also told the delegates the future of the UN would be judged on the strength of the "people's devotion" to achieving those high ideals.
Yesterday she endorsed the work of the institution over the intervening years, saying: "The achievements of the United Nations are remarkable. When I was first here, there were just three United Nations operations overseas.
"Now over 120,000 men and women are deployed in 26 missions across the world. You have helped to reduce conflict, you have offered humanitarian assistance to millions of people affected by natural disasters and other emergencies, and you have been deeply committed to tackling the effects of poverty in many parts of the world."
But she urged a note of caution: "New challenges have also emerged which have tested this organisation as much as its member states.
"One such is the struggle against terrorism. Another challenge is climate change where careful account must be taken of the risks facing smaller, more vulnerable nations, many of them from the Commonwealth."
After the UN address the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited the World Trade Center site. As they walked on to the site large cranes towered over the royal couple while building materials and equipment lay nearby.
After a laying a wreath in memory of almost 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks - including 67 Britons - the Queen and Prince Philip met some of the bereaved families.
Debbie Palmer, 51, whose husband, Battalion Chief Orio Palmer of the New York City Fire Department, died when the South Tower collapsed after he had reached the 78th floor, chatted with the monarch.
The mother of three was joined by her children, Dana 22, Keith, 20 and Alyssa, 18, who all met the head of state.
She said: "The Queen said to me she's never seen anything that horrific as the towers collapsing and I responded by saying I hope I never see anything as bad as that again.
"She wanted to know how we ever got through it and I said you don't, but if you ever get through it, it's because the children really help.
"I normally don't do a lot of these things but I just thought it was such an honour to meet old royalty and a privilege."
The Queen also chatted to Tom Spinard, one of a group of emergency service workers who were among the first to arrive on the scene.
Mr Spinard a fire fighter with Engine 7, 1st Battalion the New York City Fire Department said: "I was assigned to drive that day and was pumping water. When tower one fell down right around me the guy next to me died and I survived."
He added: "It's really great that the Queen took time to show up here. I thought that was really wonderful. It shows that she definitely cares."
The monarch went on to the British Memorial Garden where she will spent time with British families who lost relatives in the terrorist attacks and receive 67 flowers - one for every UK person who died.
Reader views (4)
When you read that H.M. is head of state to several Commonwealth countries and titular head of the Commonwealth; she must weigh considerable influence around the world. This little old lady has seen it all and met just about everybody and anybody of note during her long reign. How we will miss her when she’s gone, and we are left with King Charles III to fill in time during his own short reign limited because of his great age. He should be succeeded in his turn by King William V – who will probably be our last monarch. I might not live to see it but I guess our ancient line of kings and queens and the institution of monarchy itself will fizzle out with William. From 1066 and all that, to 20?? The long continuity of our regal traditions will fade away just like England will.
- Proper Charlie, Birmingham, 07/07/2010 18:31
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I watched the proceedings UN TV. The Queen had arrived from Canada that morning, gave a speech before the general assembly, visited the site of 9/11 and then left for London, having been in New York for only 5 hours.
The introductions by the President and Secretary General were full of praise for The Queen’s “sense of duty and tireless public service”. The Queen made a flawless speech in a forum that must be quite intimidating.
With her enormous responsibilities as Head of State of 16 countries and Head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries, I think it is incredible how she maintains her workload and dignity at the age of 84.
Her Majesty is one of the few reasons why I am still proud to be British.
- Percy Vere, Chipping Campden, Glos., 07/07/2010 15:36
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Both climate change and terrorism are trumped up threats designed to manipulate the public. Shame on the Queen. Time for a republic. Charles will only be worse.
- Stylo, Brisbane, Aus, 07/07/2010 09:56
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I remember on 9-11 The Queen getting the Guards Band to play The Star Spangled Banner outside Buck House.
What a remarkable Lady. Salutes Maam to You and your admirable Consort.
- fuzzylogic, Billericay, 07/07/2010 09:22
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