WHS: UN humanitarian summit to 'shape a different future,' Ban tells thousands at opening ceremony

23 May 2016 – At the opening of the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined the President of Turkey, relief activists and international celebrities to urge the global community to shape a different future for the world.

“We are all here because global humanitarian action is unprecedentedly strained,” Mr. Ban told thousands of participants attending the opening ceremony, which featured creative performances and inspiring words by renowned stars including Forest Whitaker, Ashley Juddand Daniel Craig.

“I proposed this Summit four years ago out of concern for rising humanitarian needs and declining political will. Today, the urgency has only grown,” the Secretary-General stressed

As part of a moving spectacle that emulated dust storms and earthquakes, and projected images of authentic footage inspired by personal human stories, Malian singer Inna Modja kicked off the historic Summit with a soulful poem.

The United Nations estimates that a record number of people – 130 million – currently need aid to survive. More people have been forced from their homes than at any time since the end of the Second World War.

“This is a 21st century United Nations gathering,” the Mr. Ban said describing the Summit, adding that its Agenda for Humanity, the document he recently issued to guide discussions and action, is based on three years of consultations with 23,000 people in more than 150 countries.

Over the next two days in the Turkish capital, WHS is bringing together stakeholders who have a vested interest in improving the global humanitarian system, including more than 65 Heads of State and Government as well as leaders from the public and private sectors.

The UN chief underlined that the world is looking to them for commitments to five core responsibilities: -  Read More
WHS: UN humanitarian summit to 'shape a different future,' Ban tells thousands at opening ceremony