Mr. Brian Finlay, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Stimson Center. Excellencies, distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen — let me first extend my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Stimson Center, and I’m honored to be part of the celebrations to mark this meaningful milestone established the several months before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The Stimson Center certainly warrants our special tributes and accolades for its pioneering efforts over the past 35 years toward the maintenance of international stability and security in an increasingly uncertain world. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, for over three decades, the Stimson Center has been a leading voice on pressing global issues. Meaningfully founded in the twilight of the Cold War, the Center took practical steps then to elevate security during great changes. Today, active efforts to address global tensions based on the spirit of innovation, independence, and pragmatism are now needed more than ever.
These are the same values that the Stimson Center has consistently championed. The Center’s unwavering dedication to finding solutions for peacekeeping and protecting civilians in conflict zones — even in the face of emerging threats — is highly commendable. In fact, I believe that the United Nations and the Stimson Center share a common vision, particularly in their mutual dedication to promoting global peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. Indeed, both organizations proactively seek pragmatic solutions to address vital and timely global issues. Drawing from my personal experience as the eighth UN Secretary General, I can attest to how critical these viable solutions are in addressing the world’s most complex challenges. For instance, it is exemplary that the Stimson Center has made continued efforts to strengthen the non-proliferation of nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological materials through its safety devices and practical programs. At the same time, the Center’s ongoing dedication to developing concrete measures to implement the non-proliferation of requirements set forth by the UN Security Council
Resolution 1540 is worthy of deep respect. While many may simply understand the problems and make recommendations, the Stimson Center goes further by presenting robust plans and actionable proposals. Furthermore, the Center has consistently translated excellent forward-thinking ideas into tangible reality by field testing, innovative proposals, and supporting the implementation on the ground in the real world. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I take this opportunity to communicate my sincere appreciation for providing me with the opportunity to share this message in celebration of the Stimson Center’s landmark 35th anniversary. Reiterating my sincere congratulations on this remarkable milestone, I am confident that the Center will continue to advance international security and shared prosperity for the next 35 years and beyond. I thank you for your attention.
